Joining them for the announcement was DCED Deputy Secretary for Marketing, Tourism, and Film Carrie Fischer Lapore and representatives from the Pioneer Tunnel Board of Directors.
The Pioneer Tunnel was a working mine that ceased operation in 1931, but was retimbered and reopened in 1963 as a place where visitors could experience a real anthracite coal mine. It affords visitors an opportunity to learn how coal is mined. The other featured attraction is a narrow gauge steam train ride aboard the “Lokie”, which is a colloquial term for small locomotive. The 30 ton saddle tank engine was used years ago to haul coal cars. Now it pulls passenger mine cars 3,000 feet along the side of the Mahanoy Mountain, giving visitors the opportunity to view strip mining operations.
The funding will be used toward the construction of a new barn to house the steam engines. The long term goal is to construct a visitor friendly facility with a wall of windows so train enthusiasts can observe maintenance of the engines.
The Pioneer Tunnel was a working mine that ceased operation in 1931, but was retimbered and reopened in 1963 as a place where visitors could experience a real anthracite coal mine. It affords visitors an opportunity to learn how coal is mined. The other featured attraction is a narrow gauge steam train ride aboard the “Lokie”, which is a colloquial term for small locomotive. The 30 ton saddle tank engine was used years ago to haul coal cars. Now it pulls passenger mine cars 3,000 feet along the side of the Mahanoy Mountain, giving visitors the opportunity to view strip mining operations.
The funding will be used toward the construction of a new barn to house the steam engines. The long term goal is to construct a visitor friendly facility with a wall of windows so train enthusiasts can observe maintenance of the engines.
“This is a wonderful educational attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year. This grant program is extremely competitive, so I am grateful that DCED recognized that the Pioneer Tunnel is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Schuylkill County,” said Argall.
“The Pioneer Mine Tunnel draws visitors from far and near, and I commend DCED for making a significant investment into one of the state’s most unique and popular attractions,” added Goodman.
“The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine is a tremendous and unique tourism asset for the region and one that provides a look at one of the industries that fueled the industrial revolution in the commonwealth,” noted Deputy Secretary Lepore, “the funding we are providing will create a better experience for visitors, countless school groups, and all who are looking to learn more about this heritage industry.”
Pioneer Tunnel Board of Directors member Ed Wytovich expressed the board’s appreciation and provided an update of the planned work. “We are incredibly thankful for this grant money and truly appreciate the support. This infrastructure will create a safer working environment for our employees and outside contractors. The building will also create a more aesthetically pleasing view for our guests. It has been our goal for a few years to create a “Lokie” barn large enough to house both of our steam locomotives and with this enhanced building we will be able to achieve this. We hope to have the project completed by the start of our 2020 season,” said Wytovich.
Photo and Info Submitted by Senator Argall's Office
“The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine is a tremendous and unique tourism asset for the region and one that provides a look at one of the industries that fueled the industrial revolution in the commonwealth,” noted Deputy Secretary Lepore, “the funding we are providing will create a better experience for visitors, countless school groups, and all who are looking to learn more about this heritage industry.”
Pioneer Tunnel Board of Directors member Ed Wytovich expressed the board’s appreciation and provided an update of the planned work. “We are incredibly thankful for this grant money and truly appreciate the support. This infrastructure will create a safer working environment for our employees and outside contractors. The building will also create a more aesthetically pleasing view for our guests. It has been our goal for a few years to create a “Lokie” barn large enough to house both of our steam locomotives and with this enhanced building we will be able to achieve this. We hope to have the project completed by the start of our 2020 season,” said Wytovich.
Photo and Info Submitted by Senator Argall's Office
