I too searched the internet.
A steam engine that has sat in a park for 35 years doesn't get restored overnight, or with just volunteer labor, or with just "friends of" type donations. It takes big bucks nowadays.
The group here in Louisiana that restored SP745 sought out Transportation Enhancement Act(TEA) funds(these have been used alot for depot renovations.....using them for restoring a steam engine was an innovative use of them). These funding projects are submitted to the state, prioritized, approved, dispersed, etc. Some of the funds may even go to support the sponsoring organization(who is managing the project), afterall, if the organization goes, so does the restoration project. The group restoring SP745 got almost a million dollars, but it took years, and several successive grants. The "master rebuilder" who was contracted with had to relocate here, major parts had to be removed and shipped elsewhere to be shopped.....it takes big bucks, as well as all the volunteer labor and efforts.
After searching the internet, I found that the Steam Locomotive Association is trying to obtain funds for phase II of 253's restoration from the Division of Historical Resources(within the Florida Department of State). They applied for $92,700. The Florida Historical Commission ranks each project......those ranked 1 thru 53 are recommended for funding. The 253 project ranked at 68........so that means that the Florida folks are having as much fun as every other historical restoration project. They may be competing with a historical sacred indian burial ground for funds.
Hopefully, the organization behind the 253 restoration is strong, and will trudge on, trying to raise the priority of their project for state funding, trying to recruit sponsorships, solicit donations, apply for other grants, increase membership and keep them happy(if the choo choo doesn't chug soon enough, some people lose interest). A restoration project pretty much needs a full time staff member(or an insane group of dedicated volunteers). Grants usually allow a certain percentage to go to the "managing" organization of the project, which can be used for this staffing purpose.
The FEC has new owners but I don't think the management has changed. Who else has a "round end" business car?
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