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Cresco council discusses $25,000 estimate to replace ties on historic locomotive, painting bid exceeds $200,000
Summary
Public works staff told the council that roughly 180 rotten ties supporting a locally displayed Milwaukee Road locomotive would cost about $25,000 to replace and that a painting bid for the cars ran at roughly $213,000; councilors discussed fundraising and logistics but took no formal vote.
Public works staff told the Cresco City Council on Sept. 15 that stabilizing the city’s historic locomotive will likely require replacing about 180 rotten railroad ties before any cosmetic restoration or painting can proceed.
"I think I've estimated about 180 ties from front to back," the public works representative said, adding that "180 times $140 is about $25,000." The same staff member reported a painting bid of about $213,000 for four cars and said engine work could push costs higher, possibly toward $252,000 depending on scope.
Councilors and staff discussed the practical sequence: replace ties first to prevent structural failure, then pursue painting and metalwork. Staff said a contractor from Mason City has offered a roughly two-week window to perform tie replacement and that the town may be able to use some used ties to reduce costs.
Several councilors urged outreach to the community and local groups for fundraising and coordination. The chair noted that the locomotive functions as a local landmark and suggested publicizing a concrete plan and estimated cost to rally support. Park-board members and a local volunteer group that previously maintained the train were cited as potential partners.
No formal motion or funding decision was taken at the meeting. Staff said they will continue coordinating logistics and the contractor’s schedule and recommended communicating cost estimates and plan details to the public and interested groups.
