$2 Million in Funding for Altoona Roundhouse

[Knothead]

Perhaps this money would have been better spent fixing PA roads. Ever drove in PA?  Its not like they will have any place to run the thing anyway.

PA Rep. Geist Announces $2 Million in Funding to Complete Construction of ?The Home of the K-4?

State Representative Rick Geist (R-Altoona), Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, today announced that $2 million in state funding has been approved to complete construction of the Quarter Roundhouse at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in downtown Altoona.

Geist made the announcement at a press conference this morning at the museum, where he was joined by the museum?s executive director, Scott Cessna, members of the museum?s board of directors, members of the K-4 steam locomotive restoration committee, and the K-4?s crew.

?Today is a great day for our railroad heritage here in Altoona,? Geist said. ?The K-4 will soon have an outstanding new home and this museum will soon have a major new attraction. I?m thrilled that this ambitious project will soon come to fruition.?

The completion of construction of the Quarter Roundhouse is the culmination of a five-year, $5.6 million project that also included restoration and preservation of the official steam locomotive of Pennsylvania, the K-4 #1361. That locomotive will be housed in the new roundhouse, along with other historic pieces of railroad equipment.

Cessna noted that construction of the Quarter Roundhouse is expected to be completed in time for a grand opening in the spring of 2007.

?We?re just thrilled to be able to put the final touches on this project,? said Cessna. ?It will be a huge boost for the museum and for tourism in downtown Altoona. I want to thank Rep. Geist for all he?s done for the museum over the years. Helping to secure this latest round of funding is just the latest example of his commitment to Altoona?s railroad heritage.?

The $2 million comes from Pennsylvania?s Transportation Enhancements Fund.

?As a long-time advocate of preserving Altoona?s railroad history, I was very proud to play a role in securing funding for this project,? Geist said. ?The Railroaders Museum has become a focal point of downtown Altoona, and the addition of this roundhouse certainly will enhance its appeal to railroad history buffs from around the state and nation.?