Local proponent outlines plan to bring 110‑foot steam engine to county as tourism draw; federal grant sought

A resident and preservation advocate (Speaker 2) used committee time to describe plans to bring a 110‑foot, 600,000‑pound steam locomotive to the county as a tourism attraction and explained technical and funding needs.

Speaker 2 said the locomotive requires a turntable and water tower to operate in both directions and that a federal grant application for roughly $2.4 million is pending; he said an outside party has indicated about $300,000 in commitment and that a previous local ask of $250,000 was discussed with officials in another jurisdiction. He estimated haul costs at about $65,000 and said alternatives include reducing the rail yard footprint or seeking military engineer assistance to perform excavation if other funding fails.

Speakers noted existing rail siding owned by the city of Watertown and pointed to regional excursion‑train experience that previously attracted hundreds of riders per trip. Members of the public and commissioners described the project as potentially significant for local tourism but emphasized that much remained uncertain: the grant decision, matching funds, site work needs and operational logistics.

No county funding commitment or formal action was recorded; the presentation was informational and proponents said they would keep the county updated.