Make steam in 2016

To the editor:

Alaska Railroad locomotive No. 557 is being restored to service in Wasilla. The project has been underway since August of 2012 and the all-volunteer crew is now putting the locomotive back together. All the preparation work in rebuilding and refurbishing old parts is now paying off.

Fundraising continues to ensure that the locomotive can be in steam in 2016. The Engine 557 Restoration Company has been determined a 501(c)3 non-profit by the IRS. I am pleased to add the Matanuska Electric Association Charitable Foundation to our list of supporters. Thanks to thousands of MEA utility members who participate in Operation Roundup the Foundation has awarded $10,000.00 to the Engine 557 Restoration Company.

Please thank your 30,000 neighbors in the MEA service area who round up through out the year. This amounts to about $7.00 annually per member, but allows the MEA Charitable Foundation to give over $125,000 annually to individuals/families and organizations in need.

Follow our progress at 557.alaskarails.org. With your continued support we will make steam in 2016.

Patrick Durand

President, Engine 557 Restoration Company