Economic Progress Alliance Donates Property for Heritage Discovery Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 21, 2011 -- It was announced today that a 1.5 acre parcel of land on Bessemer Street with frontage on the French Creek Parkway is being donated by The Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County for development of a railroad and industrial heritage and discovery center. The site was part of the former 84 Lumber property and is close to the former sites of the Erie Railroad roundhouse, train station and the Meadville locomotive service and repair facility, as well as the original 1865 Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Shops of the Erie Railroad.

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Economic Progress Alliance Donates Property for Heritage Discovery Center

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Mark Turner, Executive Director of the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County, announced gifting of the land to the Northwestern PA Railroad & Tooling Heritage Center. Turner stated, “This is a wonderful economic development initiative that will support education and tourism in our community.” A feasibility study completed last year identified this site as the ideal location for the Discovery Center. “The Alliance board of directors is pleased to be a partner in development of this project,” said William Bragg, Chairman of the board of the Alliance.

Ashley Porter, of Porter Consulting Engineers, unveiled a site plan and concept drawing of a 24,000 square foot building (to be developed in phases) that will provide a permanent home for a variety of both historical and educational collections, including the railroads, precision tool and stereoscopic, as well as serve as a community center for events and activities. While the collections will be a vital part of the Discovery Center, the numerous programs and activities will bring the center to life through hands-on interactive educational programs and rotating exhibitions.

Edward Cronin, President of the Northwestern PA Railroad & Tooling Heritage Center said, “The gifting of this land came at the perfect time for our project and we greatly appreciate the Alliance’s generosity, belief in our project and support of our efforts.” A PA DCED First Industries Tourism Grant matched local funds that were raised last year to complete a feasibility study, business plan and preliminary engineering work.

Cronin said expectations are that building construction will begin in 2013 and should be completed sometime in 2015. Plans call for construction of a building with a historic look that will complement the renovated railroad buildings located on Bessemer Street.

For additional information please contact Ed Cronin at edsuecronin@windstream.net

More information can be found online at http://railroadtoolingmuseum.com/

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