Western New York Railway Historical Society Receives $30,000 from first term 5^th District Legislator

Erie County, NY – Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal, D- Amherst, delivered 2021 Erie County public benefit funding to the Western New York Railway Historical Society this week.  In total, the 2021 Erie County Budget, which was approved the Democratic Majority Caucus, provided over $1 million dollars in funding for cultural and community agencies across Erie County.

On May 3, 2021, Legislator Vinal presented the Western New York Railway Historical Society with $30,000 to go to the purchase and moving of a massive diesel locomotive.  Legislator Vinal met with WNY Railway Historical Society Vice President Marty Visciano and Chairman Thomas Stackhouse to present them the check.

“This organization is very deserving of our support, and I am happy that I was able to provide that as a member of the Erie County Legislature Majority Caucus. I believe our investment in the community has very beneficial long-term benefits for our youth and cultural heritage,” stated Legislator Vinal.

Many volunteers put in over two years’ worth of effort to ensure the capstone delivery of the diesel locomotive to its new home last week. At one time, Western New York was the second largest railroad center in the country. The group has worked on restoration projects for several former passenger stations and a freight depot located in Orchard Park. For more information on the organization, please visit their website at ww.trainweb.org/wnyrhs.

“Tourism is an industry that has certainly been detrimentally affected by COVID-19. It’s my hope that attractions like this historic boxcar will encourage people to visit once they can safely do so and patronize our local businesses in the Village of Williamsville and elsewhere.  We are hoping this will attract regional and national railroad groups for the park has a restored depot, box car, caboose and now the mighty locomotive.  It has been used as a venue for wedding pictures, business groups, and events for members.”  Legislator Vinal added

The park is enjoyed by train lovers and model train enthusiasts of all ages.  Volunteers will work on painting the Lehigh EMD SW – 8 Diesel Locomotive from Dresden New York, to the original color. 

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