January 12, 2025
COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio EPA is partnering with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) to repower two historic diesel-powered locomotives with electric engines. The project will preserve Ohio’s railroad heritage while reducing emissions in one of the state’s treasured natural areas.
The approximately $3.5 million project will modernize locomotives that have served generations of visitors traveling through Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). Ohio EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) and Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund (DMTF) grants will support $2.1 million of the total project cost.
“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. “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 currently contain 1959 Alco FPA4 diesel engines and operate as primary power for CVSR’s scenic excursion trains. Both units are in daily seasonal service, logging more than 1,500 hours annually and pulling 4-8 passenger cars along the 26-mile route between Cuyahoga and Summit counties. Each trip carries more than 300 riders, offering one of the most scenic rail experiences.
These legacy engines consume approximately 12,800 gallons of diesel each year and collectively emit more than 700 tons of carbon dioxide. This directly impacts air quality in the national park that is visited by more than two million people annually.
“This grant from Ohio EPA marks an important milestone for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad,” CVSR President and CEP Larry Stevenson said. “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.”
“Building a strong partnership with Ohio EPA has been both productive and energizing,” CVSR Director of Development and Community Relations Michele Savoldi said. “Our shared excitement in pioneering this historic initiative within a national park right here in Ohio demonstrates what collaboration can achieve.”
The grants were funded with dollars allocated to Ohio from the settlement of an enforcement action taken against Volkswagen and its affiliated companies by the U. S. EPA and the state of California for violations under the Clean Air Act. The grant program invested $75 million over a 10-year period to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution in Ohio.
A settlement filed in federal court allocated funds to states based on the number of vehicles with the illegal devices that were registered in each state.
