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    Cuyahoga Valley

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park Receives Over 3.2 million for Railroad Projects

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Date: January 17, 2012
Contact: Mary Pat Doorley, CVNP, 440-456-5995
Contact: Kelly Steele-Moore, CVSR, 330-657-1915

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
NPS

Brecksville, Ohio - Cuyahoga Valley National Park received $3.2 million in Federal Funds from Federal Transit Administration announced by Administrator Peter Rogoff at a press conference today at Rockside Boarding Station in Independence. This grant will fund five projects to improve visitor services to the park's alternative transportation system, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR).

Representatives from CVNP, CVSR and other park partners, as well as dignitaries and public officials were present, including: Congressman Kucinich (OH-10); Congresswoman Sutton (OH-13); Mayor Westfall of Valley View; and representatives from the offices of Senator Brown, Congressman Ryan, and Congresswoman Fudge.

"We are pleased to receive this funding for critical projects to improve visitor safety and access to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This railroad is the park's alternative transportation system and it is a great example of a public-private partnership that works!" said Superintendent Stan Austin.

The five Cuyahoga Valley National Park projects include the following:

- $1.4 million to construct a bridge across the Cuyahoga River linking Rockside Station with the Lock 39 trailhead, which will improve access between the Towpath Trail and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

- $575,000 to replace the 58-year-old power generation car.

- $994,000 to rebuild locomotive #365 with green technology - resulting in a hybrid engine that will reduce exhaust transmissions by 90 percent and fuel consumption by 60 percent or more.

- $145,000 to rebuild an older ADA car.

- $137,000 to rebuild the baggage car serving the Bike Aboard! program.

"CVSR appreciates this incredible investment in the future and the on-going desire for alternative transportation to and through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We are fortunate to have such great partners in the National Park service, and have the importance of this organization recognized on a federal level," said President and CEO Steve Wait.

The visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park is part of a nationwide announcement of $40.8 million in grants from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in relation to the FTA's Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks grant program. A complete list of projects can be found at http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants/13094.html.

-NPS-

Download a pdf of this news release.

Download a flier explaining the five projects.

Did You Know?

Drawing of a mule driver on the Ohio & Erie Canal.

A young James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States, worked briefly as a mule boy on the Ohio & Erie Canal, an important cultural resource within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.