From the Owosso Argus-Press

The 1941 Pere Marquette 1225 will receive significant improvements, thanks in part to a transportation grant announced Wednesday by Rep. Ben Glardon, R-Owosso.

The locomotive, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the only surviving large steam locomotive still operating in Michigan, and has become a significant source of tourism dollars for the area, the representative’s office noted.

The project budget is $523,000, according to Glardon’s office. The grant of $346,104 comes from federal transportation enhancement funds. The Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation also is providing $176,896 in matching funds, Glardon’s office reported.

SRI officials previously said they had raised $120,000 in grants and through fundraising activities.

The locomotive was featured in the movie “The Polar Express,” based on the earlier children’s book of the same title.

“Children and adults across Michigan have traveled to Owosso to see the ‘Polar Express,’ and rekindle their belief in the spirit of Christmas,” Glardon said.

The project includes firebox work; boiler shell work; replacement or repair of tubes, flues, and superheaters; replacement or repair of certain safety appliances and accessories; purchase of handicap accessible lifts; and a water treatment system for the facility that houses the engine.

Volunteers at the SRI already have begun disassembling the engine for its 15-year mandated rebuild. The train went out of service at the end of 2009 and work toward the rebuild project has been ongoing since then.

Source: http://www.argus-press.com/business/article_775c5efa-516d-11e0-924d-001cc4c03286.html
(Editors note: follow this link. There are some links at the bottom of the page to more stories about PM 1225)