Cuyahoga Valley National Park receives more than $3.2 million for railroad

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio - Cuyahoga Valley National Park continues to grow and improve.

Tuesday, it received $3.2 million in Federal Funds from Federal Transit Administration, which was announced by Administrator Peter Rogoff at a news conference at the Rockside Boarding Station in Independence. This grant will fund five projects to improve visitor services to one of the park’s gems, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) is one of the oldest, longest and most scenic tourist excursion railways in the country. It is a private sector, volunteer supported, not-for-profit organization operating in partnership with the National Park. It follows and helps preserve the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway.

Representatives from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, CVSR and other park partners, as well as dignitaries and public officials were present, including: Rep. Kucinich (OH-10); Rep. Sutton (OH-13); Mayor Westfall of Valley View; and representatives from the offices of Sen. Sherrod Brown, Rep. Tim Ryan, and Rep. Marsha 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 Park 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 railroad 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.