by rcbsd45
(The following report appeared on the Toledo Blade website on September 7.)
FOSTORIA, Ohio — Federal "transportation enhancement" funds will provide more than $800,000 toward converting an abandoned factory site in the city into a park where train enthusiasts may watch the 100 or more trains that traverse Fostoria on an average day, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced yesterday.
The $815,760 grant for the Fostoria Iron Triangle Visitors' Center represents the second-largest of 13 awards, exceeding $7.3 million statewide, that ODOT announced for the 2010-2011 budget cycle.
The announcement gives Fostoria a green light to plan for a viewing platform, restrooms, parking lots, and landscaping on the five-acre site bound primarily by three main railroad lines that pass through, and intersect in, the city, Mayor John Davoli said yesterday.
"We've been working on this for a long time," he said, crediting in particular the Hancock Regional Planning Commission for its assistance in preparing the grant application.
The city must provide 20 percent of the project's cost, or about $204,000 to match the entire grant.
Fostoria previously obtained, and has partially spent, a $300,000 federal grant to clean up old industrial sites and to pay for clearing the former factory site off Columbus Avenue. Mr. Davoli said the remains of the factory complex will be leveled by year's end.
While a nuisance for local residents, Fostoria's busy rail activity attracts train buffs from across North America and even overseas. Especially during the warmer months, many congregate in a parking lot near the city's former Amtrak station, or on a gravel area along Columbus Avenue near two of the rail lines' intersection.
Mr. Davoli said he plans to visit train-watching parks built in other railroad "hot spots" to gather ideas for Fostoria's facility.
FOSTORIA, Ohio — Federal "transportation enhancement" funds will provide more than $800,000 toward converting an abandoned factory site in the city into a park where train enthusiasts may watch the 100 or more trains that traverse Fostoria on an average day, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced yesterday.
The $815,760 grant for the Fostoria Iron Triangle Visitors' Center represents the second-largest of 13 awards, exceeding $7.3 million statewide, that ODOT announced for the 2010-2011 budget cycle.
The announcement gives Fostoria a green light to plan for a viewing platform, restrooms, parking lots, and landscaping on the five-acre site bound primarily by three main railroad lines that pass through, and intersect in, the city, Mayor John Davoli said yesterday.
"We've been working on this for a long time," he said, crediting in particular the Hancock Regional Planning Commission for its assistance in preparing the grant application.
The city must provide 20 percent of the project's cost, or about $204,000 to match the entire grant.
Fostoria previously obtained, and has partially spent, a $300,000 federal grant to clean up old industrial sites and to pay for clearing the former factory site off Columbus Avenue. Mr. Davoli said the remains of the factory complex will be leveled by year's end.
While a nuisance for local residents, Fostoria's busy rail activity attracts train buffs from across North America and even overseas. Especially during the warmer months, many congregate in a parking lot near the city's former Amtrak station, or on a gravel area along Columbus Avenue near two of the rail lines' intersection.
Mr. Davoli said he plans to visit train-watching parks built in other railroad "hot spots" to gather ideas for Fostoria's facility.
I know I'm getting old... My insurance company sent me only half a calendar this year!