Lake County Historical Society news: April 22

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Money for the restoration of a piece of Two Harbors history has been announced. The Lake County Historical Society is receiving $200,000 in a federal grant to restore the Mallet locomotive on the ground of the society’s depot museum.

The Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant, distributed through the Minnesota Department of Transportation, requires a $50,000 local match. Fund-raising has brought in $33,000, historical society director Mel Sando said.

Sando said the local fund includes direct and in-kind contributions from Lake County, and historical society savings. “There are several categories that are eligible for this money,” Sando said, “and the Mallet falls under historic preservation.”

The project budget was written at $246,000 and the society will also need to cover technicians and cosmetic repairs. The Lake County Highway Department covered additional expenses for project engineering and design.

Sando said restoration of the Two Harbors Light Station, the Three Spot train, and the depot platform and canopy were all done through a similar funding process.

Fund-raising efforts continue, Sando said, through the sale of items in museum gift shops and through donations. The society museum operations in Two Harbors open this weekend for the season.

Tags: lake county, money, community