Costs keep mounting to get the steam train back on the tracks.
City Council expressed shock that repairing bridges and trestles will cost $300,000 next year, and putting a $100,000 annual minimum maintainance plan will add up to $1.2 million over the next 10 years.
Mayor Mike Ruttan said a lack of maintenance over the the past decade is now catching up on the rail system, and it’s up to the McLean Mill Society to find the money, as the city already pays its share
Because of track conditions, only the lighter diesel engines have been used to pull passenger cars this year, with the famous Baldwin steam engine unable to leave the rail yard due to weight concerns.
Ruttan said the McLean Mill Society has begun looking into grants and funding to restore the rail line to full operation.
