(ANGOLA) - Steuben County officials are taking steps to close a section of Ozark Street in Pleasant Lake to support the operations of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. The County Council approved seeking a state grant to cover $20,000 of the project costs, which include guardrails, pavement removal, and site restoration. Pedestrian traffic would still be allowed, and emergency access would not be significantly impacted.
The closure would help the Historical Society expand its rail operations and passenger excursions, providing room for train storage and safer boarding for passengers, including those with limited mobility. The Society has invested over $220,000 in Pleasant Lake, including restoring the old New York Central depot and upgrading power for winter train storage. Their Indiana Rails Experience tourism attraction has brought 50,000 visitors and $5 million in economic impact to the area. The measure now moves to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.