CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has received a $67,500 state grant to be used for building improvements on the museum’s Grand Junction campus.
The state Capital Maintenance and Improvement funds, administered through the Tennessee State Museum, will be used for window replacement in the 42-year-old Grand Junction Depot, electrical upgrades in the museum’s coach yard, and roof repairs to the main office building.
Charles Googe, the railroad museum’s education coordination and collection coordinator, said in a press release that the museum is “thrilled at the opportunity provided by the State of Tennessee’s Capital Improvements grant program. Through this award, made possible by the Tennessee General Assembly and facilitated by the Tennessee State Museum, site improvements made to our existing grounds and facilities will enable us to continue providing impactful and educational railroad experiences for our guests, patrons, and supporters across the State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley.”
The state legislature made $5 million in funding available, leading to a highly competitive grant process. The Tennessee State Museum received 157 applications requesting a total of $10.5 million; as of Oct. 15, 83 museums have received full or partial awards. The grant program had a minimum request amount of $5,000 and a maximum of $100,000; projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.
“In our second year facilitating this funding, we continue to be inspired by the incredible work being done throughout the state by our strong network of Tennessee museums and historic sites,” said Ashley Howell, Tennessee State Museum executive director. “This grant is an extension of our mission to preserve of the history, art, and culture of Tennessee by supporting the efforts of local, regional, and state institutions. We again thank the Tennessee General Assembly for their support for Tennessee museums.”
