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[CNJRoss]

Norfolk Southern news release

Norfolk Southern donates historic train depot to East Palestine community

 

 

 

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) unveiled plans to donate the company’s historic East Palestine Train Depot to the village May 22. Acknowledging the significance of this landmark, Norfolk Southern will restore and upgrade the exterior of the building. The interior will be turned into a blank space so the community may shape the future development of this property according to its own vision – Norfolk Southern will provide a $100,000 grant to support the village’s continued development of the space.

 

“Norfolk Southern understands the historical significance this train depot represents to the community,” said Norfolk Southern Director of Corporate Giving Kristin Wong. “As I’ve talked with those who live in East Palestine, I heard early on that they wanted to own and determine the future of this central building. Today, we’re partnering together to make that happen. We’re committed to making things right in East Palestine, and it is a privilege to donate this train depot to the community, and to watch what it will become next.”

 

The renovation of this historic landmark signifies a milestone toward the village’s goal to revitalize the area while preserving and paying homage to its rich heritage. Located in the heart of East Palestine, on Market Street near the downtown area, the train depot holds a central position within the community. The depot dates back to the 1890s, but has remained dormant over the course of several decades. Norfolk Southern's ownership of the train depot originated from the acquisition of the rail line that runs through East Palestine in 1998.

 

“East Palestine should be proud of their history with the railroad industry,” said Kristin Wong. “We are honored to donate this train depot to the community as a symbol of that history.”

 

Norfolk Southern plans to begin renovations in late August or early September and expects to complete renovations by Summer 2024.

 

 

Related:  NS freight train derailment, fire in East Palestine, OH -- evacuation

[CNJRoss]

Trains News Wire

 

Norfolk Southern donates depot to East Palestine

 

By Trains Staff | May 18, 2024

 

Renovation cost approximately $1 million

 

A rendering of the Norfolk Southern depot in East Palestine, Ohio, from the announcement of plans for its restoration. Norfolk Southern

 

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Norfolk Southern on Thursday donated its station in East Palestine to the city, following up on a pledge made last year in the wake of the February derailment and chemical release in the community.

 

SNIP

 

“There are a lot of people here today that have spent the last 15 months focused on helping East Palestine recover and helping East Palestine thrive over the long term,” Shaw said, according to the newspaper. “Just like Norfolk Southern, this facility has been a part of this community for years and, with the improvements we’ve made to it and turning it over to the community, we are going to make sure this train depot will be part of the community for decades moving forward.”

 

The structure dates to 1905, when it was built by the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway,  . . .

 

 

More here.  

[CNJRoss]

The Times Leader, Ferry, OH 5/18/24

 

Norfolk Southern gifts depot to East Palestine

 

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Nearly 121 years after the Reveille Echo announced that ground had been broken for the construction of a new train depot in East Palestine, ownership of the building was returned to the village.

 

On Thursday, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw handed the keys to the East Palestine Train Depot over to Mayor Trent Conaway, marking another milestone in the life of the historic structure and another milestone in the village’s recovery in the 15 months since the derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train.  

 

“We promised to rehabilitate the facility and turn it over to the community for its long-term use and today we are doing just that,” Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw said. “Today, we are here to fulfill another promise. There are a lot of people here today that have spent the last 15 months focused on helping East Palestine recover and helping East Palestine thrive over the long term. Just like Norfolk Southern, this facility has been a part of this community for years and, with the improvements we’ve made to it and turning it over to the community, we are going to make sure this train depot will be part of the community for decades moving forward.” 

 

 

Continue here with photo.