A grant application for the Watertown Rail Park — including a turntable to handle a restored steam locomotive — was one of 21 projects nationwide to receive federal funding, project proponents told the Wilson County budget committee, and the committee voted to place a $300,000 county contribution on the 2026 budget needs list.

Presenters said the full project budget is approximately $2.4 million; the grant awards the county $1,600,000 with a required match of $800,000. Local volunteers and private donors have pledged portions of that match, including one private commitment around $314,000. Project leaders asked the county to include $300,000 in next year’s budget process as the county’s “skin in the game.”

Doctor Steve Smart, identified in the meeting as the project’s grant writer, and several local volunteers outlined anticipated tourism and educational benefits, including a public event when the restored steam engine is moved and turned on the new turntable. Proponents said the turntable and rail work would connect to a broader plan to bring tourist trains through multiple towns in the county.

Committee members discussed structural readiness of the track and bridges to carry the engine. Presenters said track and bridge upgrades would comply with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) standards and that speed restrictions might be used if full upgrades are not immediately possible. Project proponents said initial bridge and track certifications have been addressed with railroad partners.

A motion to add $300,000 to the county’s 2026 budget needs list carried on a voice vote; the committee did not vote to appropriate funds tonight. Rather, the committee placed the item on the needs list for consideration during the formal 2026 budget process.

Proponents asked the committee to record a commitment on the needs list so they could pursue additional private and municipal matching funds. The committee chair said the item will be considered in next year’s budget cycle.