Train viewing platform under construction
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

The local chamber of commerce hopes the train viewing platform will attract tourists to the area. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

Visitors to Jenkins County and Millen will soon be able to view passing Norfolk Southern trains from a platform presently under construction adjacent to the Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce on Cotton Avenue.

The project, over three years in the making, is an effort of the City of Millen, Millen Better Hometown and Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce. Funding for the construction of the platform has been provided through a state Local Assistance Grant and inmate labor is being used to perform the work.

Paula Herrington, chamber of commerce executive director, commented, "We feel that the train viewing platform will be a tourist attraction and an asset to Millen's economy. It will compliment our recent designation as Georgia's 10th Scenic Byway and planned improvements to Cotton Avenue through a Department of Transportation TE grant."

Norfolk Southern Railroad granted permission for construction of the platform on its property and the University of Georgia Design School drew up a design for the project.