National Park Service: Status of Development at the Steamtown National Historic Site

GAO discussed the authorization of additional appropriations for the Steamtown National Historic Site, focusing on: (1) estimated development costs and federal funds appropriated; (2) the extent of hazardous materials and toxic substances at the site; (3) site safety; and (4) plans to operate excursion trains from the site. GAO noted that: (1) the total site development cost will amount to about $63 million; (2) the National Park Service plans to construct a new visitor center, two museums, and an operational locomotive and turntable; (3) the Environmental Protection Agency has found and isolated above ground hazardous and toxic materials, and plans to remove the materials by the end of 1991, but it is still analyzing the extent of below-ground contamination; (4) accidents and injuries to date have been minor in nature; (5) the Service plans to include a 26-mile round-trip excursion, which will eventually replace the 58-mile round-trip excursion; (6) Congress has appropriated about $43 million through fiscal year 1991 for the site; and (7) the Service has estimated the site's operating cost to be about $6.5 million, once development is completed.