RAVENNA, Ky. — The Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. has received a $1.9 million grant to aid in the restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 No. 2716, as well as continue development of the railroad-centered attraction “The Yard” that includes the shop where the steam locomotive is being restored.
The funds are in the form of an Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revilization grant through the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands and the state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet. The grant, announced Wednesday by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, is one of 14 for nonprofit organizations in the state for 2023.
“This 2023 AMLER award is a game changer for our project, and is proof positive that the Commonwealth is committed both to our project and to real investment in Appalachia and coal country,” Kentucky Steam President Chris Campbell said in a press release.
“The capital infusion validates the hard work our all-volunteer organization has put in over the past seven years and gives a big boost to the community that has welcomed us since our inception in 2016. We appreciate the governor’s office, Energy and Environment Cabinet, and the entire federal delegation including Congressmen [Hal] Rogers and [Andy] Barr for their show of support of our endeavor.”
The Yard project was launched in 2020 at the 43-acre former CSX railyard in Estill County owned by Kentucky Steam [see “Digest: Kentucky Steam facility to anchor …,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 22, 2020]. Plans call for an amphitheater, rail museum, restaurant/brewery, events center, food truck pavilion, and other features. The Hardy family of Irvine, Ky., has invested over $500,000 to date in the 4,500 amphitheater, to be named the Hardy Pavilion.
“I love this community and I love music, and the concept these guys presented was perfect,” said Michael Hardy, president of Hardy Oil. “Our area is an epicenter of Appalachian culture, and this complex gives us the opportunity to showcase some of what we are great at, and do so right here in our own backyard.”
The AMLER grant will fund construction of more railroad track to be used for excursions and equipment displays, restoration of the locomotive servicing facility, and construction of a glasss-sided display building donated by R.J. Corman Railroad Group in 2020. Portions will also be used for structural improvements to the site’s L&N storehouse building dating to 2015, while $500,000 is allocated to the restoration of the Kanawha-type locomotive built by Alco in 1943.
“Restoring and operating this giant locomotive is the reason we founded this organization in the first place,” said Campbell. “Seeing it operate in this area again … will be a reminder of what made this region of the country thrive in the last century. Its revitalization and operation will be an appropriate hallmark bridging the gap between the region’s past and future.”
Kentucky Steam plans to launch capital campaigns toward the restoration of other railroad artifacts, as well as to complete the mechanical overhaul of No. 2716. For more information on contributing, email donate@kentuckysteam.org or visit www.kentuckysteam.org/contribute.
While most railroads referred to these 2-8-4 type locomotives as “Berkshires”, the C&O referred to them as “Kanawhas” after the Kanawha River, which flows through West Virginia.
These locomotives were used to haul heavy freight trains, as well as fast passenger trains. After only thirteen years in revenue service, the C&O retired No. 2716 in 1956 in light of dieselization. The C&O sold the majority of their Kanawhas for scrap, save for thirteen locomotives, including No. 2716.
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