A group of Emporia residents is exploring the possibility of returning Amtrak to the northeast Kansas city.

The Emporia Amtrak Task Force recently filed for nonprofit status with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office. It’s trying to raise funds for an impact study to build a train depot to replace one that was destroyed by fire in 1999.

Supporters say Amtrak would improve the city’s economic development efforts and provide transportation for the elderly and international students at Emporia State University. They say it also could bring people into the city to shop or visit.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports  members of the task force have been talking to Amtrak and BNSF railroad staff, Emporia State University and community leaders. BSNF owns the tracks on which Amtrak’s Southwest Chief runs.