FirstEnergy Foundation Donates $50,000 to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's Capital Campaign

AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The FirstEnergy Foundation has donated $50,000 to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) to support the organization's first comprehensive capital campaign since it was founded in 1972.  The funds will be used to help modernize CVSR's fleet of locomotives and passenger cars.

The CVSR is one of the longest and most scenic tourist railway excursions in the nation, running from Rockside Road in Independence, Ohio, through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to Ridge Street in downtown Akron.  In the last 10 years, ridership has increased 70 percent, with a record-high 216,063 passengers in 2016.

"The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic railroad has become a cultural institution in northeast Ohio, drawing people from far and wide for programs designed to build wonderful family memories, such as summer valley excursions or trips on the Polar Express during the holiday season," said Dee Lowery, president of the FirstEnergy Foundation.  "The fact that this is the railroad's first comprehensive capital campaign in its 45 years of operation is a testament to the organization's viability, and we're pleased to support it."

The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) and provides support to non-profit, tax-exempt health and human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy's 10 electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.  Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.  Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com.  Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.