NOPEC and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Announce Partnership

NOPEC Named Founding Partner of CVSR's Powering Possibility Locomotive Repowering Project

PENINSULA, OHIO, October 1, 2027 — NOPEC and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) today announced a $200,000 partnership supporting Powering Possibility, an innovative project to convert two existing CVSR diesel-electric locomotives to battery-electric technology.

Through its investment, NOPEC becomes a Founding Partner in the project, joining the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Lincoln Electric in supporting a more sustainable future for rail transportation in Northeast Ohio.

“NOPEC’s mission is to serve Ohio communities, residents, and businesses by supporting practical solutions that use energy more efficiently and strengthen our state,” said Chuck Keiper, NOPEC Executive Director and CEO. “As a Founding Partner, we’re proud to help the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad extend the life of its locomotives and advance cleaner, more efficient rail transportation.”

This financial support will be added to our Powering Possibility Capital Campaign. A $3.5 million modernization initiative, supported by $2.1 million in Ohio EPA DERA and Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund grants, will significantly reduce emissions, enhance long‑term sustainability, and ensure that the magic of the CVSR journey continues for decades to come. This investment establishes a fundraising goal of $1.4 million to bring the project to full completion.

Repowering the Past. Powering the Future.

Powering Possibility is designed to give existing locomotives new life by replacing traditional diesel technology with battery-electric technology. The project extends the useful life of CVSR's equipment while reducing emissions and reliance on traditional diesel fuel.

“Powering Possibility demonstrates what can happen when innovation, environmental stewardship and historic preservation come together,” said Larry Stevenson, CVSR President/CEO. “NOPEC's investment is a significant vote of confidence in this vision and an important step toward creating a more sustainable future for rail transportation.”

In recognition of its leadership investment, NOPEC will receive name recognition in perpetuity on two repowered locomotives and will be designated the Exclusive Power Station Sponsor at CVSR's Fitzwater Maintenance Facility.

Together with its Founding Partners, CVSR is working to position Northeast Ohio at the forefront of innovation in sustainable rail transportation, demonstrating that preserving history and embracing the future can move forward on the same track.

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