RAILROAD MUSEUM RECIEVES VISION IOWA GRANT AWARD!

May 8, 2013 (Des Moines) – The Vision Iowa Board awarded a $314,862 Community Attraction and Tourism grant to the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District & Railroad Museum in Sioux City. According to Jessica O’Riley, Vision Iowa board member and member of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the grant was approved today by the Vision Iowa Board at their meeting in Des Moines.


Matt Merk, Executive Director stated, “This is very exciting news and could not have been made possible without the extensive progress that the volunteers have made in rescuing this national treasure and even more importantly the outstanding support that our community has provided through donations, sales, pledges and attendance. All of these combine together and demonstrate to those looking on at not only the state level but at the national level that we have something very special here in Sioux City.” Larry Obermeyer, SHRA Board President also added, “Our supporters can see that completing this project will not only provide a valuable economic impact on our region, but it has already and will continue to also increase the quality of life here in the Siouxland area by enhancing family ties and interactions with each other.”

Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District – CAT 2 – Sioux City
Total Project Cost: $2,661,897
Amount Requested: $314,862
Amount Awarded: $314,862
Award Contingencies: Completion of fundraising within 30 days. ($85,000 still need to be raised!)

This project includes the exterior renovation of five historic buildings (Engineers Tool Shed, Car Shops, South End Water Closet, Sand Dying House, and the Roundhouse) the construction of a permanent restroom facility and an alternative transportation system of interpretive paved walking trails, paved parking lot and a 16” gauge miniature railroad. Additionally, this project will also support interior improvements to the roundhouse building and continue interior improvements to the machine shop building.

To everyone that has supported this historic development, thank you so very much for your past, present and future support.

For those of you that would like to become involved or would like to see what it really going on out in this north Riverside neighborhood come on out and see what you’ve been missing out on. This Saturday would be a prefect chance to stop out and see what’s happening. The National Train Day and Sioux City Historic Preservation Week all wrap up at the Railroad Museum this Saturday. We are located at 3400 Sioux River Road, 1/2 mile north of Military Road on Hwy 12, Admission is FREE! Hours: 10 am – 4 pm.

For more information about the Historic District and Railroad Museum please visit our website at  www.milwaukeerailroadshops.org and like us on Facebook.