Monday’s announcement that the N.C. Transportation Museum will get a $2.16 million boost from the state is great news for ongoing restoration at one of the state’s most important historic sites. It’s also a well-deserved reward for the museum staff, volunteers, board members and other supporters who’ve dedicated themselves to the remarkable transformation of the old Spencer Shops.
Securing these state funds required perseverance worthy of the Little Engine That Could. The successful legislative request, cosponsored last year by state Reps. Lorene Coates (D-Rowan) and Fred Steen (R-Rowan), followed earlier disappointments when proposals for larger outlays hit a dead end. The $2 million may represent lowered expectations of state support, but not of the museum’s longterm ambitions. This will help reroof the power house and complete another installment of the back shop restoration, a key phase that builds on earlier refurbishing of the Round House, the turntable and installation of Barber Junction Depot. The museum’s foundation started renovating the power house three years ago, using private and public funds, but the money ran out before the roof went up, leaving the structure partially exposed to the elements.
In addition to perseverance, the successful funding request also reflected a shift in strategies. Rather than seeking an allotment from the general budget or highway fund, this request went through the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. That’s more in keeping with the museum’s mission and role locally and in the region. Railroads are a rich part of our past, as well as an important part of future transportation plans. In addition to preserving a vital link in the region’s railroad legacy, the Transportation Museum also has a significant economic impact. A recent study shows the museum adds more than $5 million annually to the area’s economy.
Just as previous projects were significant markers on the museum’s journey since the opening of its first exhibit area in 1983, completion of the power house renovation will be another milestone worth celebrating. With this allocation, that celebration isn’t too far down the tracks. Full speed ahead.