OHIO RAIL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Rail Tourism Program Summary
OVERVIEW
The Rail Tourism Industry, which includes scenic railroads, rail museums, rail excursion organizations and other rail tourism organizations, is important to Ohio’s tourism industry. It brings tourist dollars and jobs to Ohio communities. Through this Program, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) helps generate economic development for Ohio. The goals of the program are to
1) promote local economic development through rail tourism activities, and
2) support scenic railroads, rail museums, rail excursion organizations and others involved in the rail tourism industry.
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Financial Assistance - ORDC staff works with other State of Ohio agencies, Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and federal and local governments to help provide needed funds to acquire, build and rehabilitate rail infrastructure.
Marketing Assistance - Marketing is an important element in conducting a successful business. Beginning in 2002, ORDC will initiate several projects:
1) publish and distribute a brochure to the tourism public describing the rail tourism organizations identified including a map showing the location, telephone number, website and email address of each organization, and
2) create a website providing links to rail tourism organizations and a rail tourism calendar of special rail events throughout Ohio.
Technical Assistance - ORDC staff can assist rail tourism organizations connect with other public sector agencies to obtain needed assistance. ORDC coordinates with other agencies and organizations to link Ohio’s rail tourism organizations to existing public and private resources.
ORDC works to help rail tourism organizations develop and organize appropriate educational programs. ORDC can provide track inspection services to help scenic railroads identify problem areas and provide rehabilitation estimates.
CRITERIA
ORDC financial assistance is available through its current funding programs: Rail Rehabilitation, Rail Acquisition and Freight Rail Economic Development.