Maryland And Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society

As of November 26, work is underway to repair the severe flood damage sustained by the Ma & Pa Railroad (see damage pictures in Original Story below). Working under an emergency permit that provides just 60 days for the work at five sites to be completed, our contractor has begun at the 30 foot steel bridge that was washed away.

The area around the bridge and stream channel have been cleared of rock and debris, so that the stream now flows freely at its pre-flood level. The bridge has been moved out of the creek bed and cleared of mud and debris. The washed out embankment on the north approach is being rebuilt, and the salvageable portion of the track has been returned to its proper alignment. Work is in progress to divert the stream so that the south abutment can be underpinned and stabilized.
Since York County was not declared a federal disaster area, we have no expectation of government funds to aid our recovery. The total cost of the repairs at all five sites is now estimated to approach $170,000 when engineering costs are included, so our need for help in funding the repairs is acute.
Every contribution, large or small, will make a difference in covering these staggering costs. Having an operating rail line is essential to the future of our unique museum. Please make a donation today to help us restore this historic line for the education and enjoyment of today's families and future generations.

                                                                    #############  Original Story  ##############

The remaining track of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad in southeastern York County, PA, suffered devastating damage on the afternoon of August 31st due to a freakish rainfall of more than 10" in less than 2 hours. Water flooding down tributary streams produced the most damaging flood ever recorded along this section of the railroad. The raging water washed away a 30 foot steel bridge and undercut its abutments, seriously damaged two other bridges, caused serious erosion of the rail embankment, and destroyed more than 700 feet of track.
The Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society maintains and operates the railroad as part of the Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village, a museum consisting of the village of Muddy Creek Forks, a National Register Historic District, and 3.6 miles of Ma & Pa Railroad main line through the scenic Muddy Creek Valley. The all-volunteer Society is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization with limited financial resources to face a disaster of this magnitude, which is far beyond the capabilities of its volunteers.
The Society is, nonetheless, moving aggressively to repair the line. A professional engineer has inspected and made recommendations for the bridges, a track contractor is onboard, and an application has been made to the Pennsylvania DEP for an Emergency Permit to do the work.
The aim of this GoFundMe is to provide a mechanism for many community donors to help pay the cost of the repairs.  Your contribution will help the Society recover from this natural disaster, restore the railroad line, and continue to offer fun and educational train rides for kids and families. Our $50,000 goal is ambitious, but your contribution in ANY amount will help get us there. No gift is too small OR too large - please donate today!

Thank you!