[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THE CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in appreciation of the Cuyahoga 
Valley Scenic Railroad for its stewardship of the historic rail line 
through the Cuyahoga River Valley.
  For thousands of years Indians used the Cuyahoga River and Valley in 
northern Ohio as a north-south transportation corridor. Later the Ohio 
and Erie Canal provided the early settlers a slow but easy way to move 
bulk goods and people. In 1880, the first steam engine chugged its way 
down the new Valley Railway, signaling an era of progress and 
prosperity for the Cuyahoga Valley residents. Primarily built to 
transport coal from south of Canton to Cleveland's growing industries, 
the Valley Railway also served the farmers, merchants and factories 
along its route. Depots piled high with farm produce dotted the valley 
section of the railroad line.
  Financial difficulties in 1894 led to the Valley Railway's 
acquisition by the Cleveland Terminal & Valley Railroad (CT&V). The 
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad bought the CT&V in 1915 and continued to 
provide freight and passenger service between Akron and Cleveland. 
However, the popularity of the automobile caused a decline in passenger 
traffic on the line. Passenger service ended in 1963. The last freight 
train operated by the Chessie System ran in 1985.
  Today, the historic rails are owned by the National Park Service as 
part of its goal to preserve the significant cultural resources in the 
Cuyahoga Valley. The CVSR operates the excursion train through the 
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in cooperation with the National Park 
Service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
CVSR, which is holding its annual fundraising event this weekend, the 
``All Aboard Ball.'' Recognition is due not only for this railroad's 
history, but also for its current enhancement of the Cuyahoga American 
Heritage River and its role in perpetuating passenger rail and 
excursion rail in Ohio's 10th Congressional District and nationwide.

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