COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two Alco FPA4 locomotives at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will be converted to electric power in a $3.5 million project announced Monday by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
The partnership between the railroad and Ohio EPA will see the state agency provide $2.1 million in federal funding allocated to the state under a $2.7 billion U.S. EPA settlement reached with Volkswagen in 2017 for violations of the Clean Air Act.
“By repowering these historic machines with electric engines, it’s helping to keep Ohio heritage on the tracks, while not having to worry about diesel emissions,” Ohio EPA Director John Logue said in a press release. “Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provides such a unique opportunity for Ohioans to explore some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Midwest, and it’s an honor to contribute to that cause for generations to come.”
The two locomotives are in seasonal daily service on the 26-mile heritage railway, consuming approximately 12,800 gallons of diesel fuel annually while emitting a total of more than 700 tons of carbon dioxide. The Ohio EPA says those emissions impact air quality in Cuyahoga Valley National Park where the railroad operates.
“This grant from Ohio EPA marks an important milestone for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad,” said Cuyahoga Valley Scenic President Larry Stevenson. “Repowering our heritage locomotives from diesel to electric improves efficiency, supports our mission within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and, most importantly, allows us to preserve the legacy of railroad travel by keeping these historic locomotives on the rails for future generations. We are grateful to Ohio EPA for their partnership and support.”
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad equipment roster lists four FPA-4 locomotives. Trains.com has contacted the railroad seeking more information on the units involved and a timeline for the project.
More on the railroad is available at its website.
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