Museum awarded UP grant

By submitted, 10/8/21 6:21 PM

PRESCOTT – The current fencing between the historic Depot Museum and the Union Pacific railroad tracks has been in place for more than 40 years. Rust and deterioration are taking over the fence. Several of the fence posts have rusted and broken off at ground level and the fencing has come loose in several areas. The need to replace the fencing was determined through observation of the ongoing deterioration of the existing wire fencing and the growing concern of safety for the Depot Museum, visitors and the railroad itself. In November 2019 and again in August 2021 the Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 Locomotive stopped at the Depot Museum and concerns were elaborated as visitors were close to the fence, leaning on it to get close as possible to see the engine. During these events the safety issue was highlighted as we recognized the antiquated condition of the fencing.

In July of this year the Nevada County Depot and Museum recognized the dire need for new fencing and therefore submitted an application for a $25,000 grant through the Union Pacific Foundation addressing fence safety concern at the Museum. The Nevada County Depot and Museum is pleased to announce Union Pacific Foundation was most generous in granting the Museum funds in the amount of a one-time $10,000 grant. The grant funds will be used to replace current fencing between the train depot and the Union Pacific tracks. These grant funds from the Union Pacific Foundation are greatly appreciated however, they do not cover the whole cost of the new fencing. Additional funds will need to be raised to complete the project. Estimates for new fencing have been acquired and the cost for new fencing will be approximately $20,000. The fencing estimate is for a 5-feet, three rail fence panel and includes the cost of materials to replace exiting fencing with a heavier more modern fence. The cost of labor to remove the old fencing, adding new fence posts, and repairing the holes left from current posts as new posts will be at 8-foot intervals instead of 10-foot intervals are also included in the estimate.

With safety issues in mind, it is of great importance to the Museum to see this project completed soon. Proper safety in place for our visitors and proper safety in place concerning the Union Pacific Railroad is our greatest concern as numerous trains go through our community daily and come in close proximity to the Depot Museum. Hopefully additional funding will be available in the near future