IOWA ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
3349 Southgate Court Southwest #108
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
(319) 362-6824

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--05/29/98

STATE RAIL PASSENGER GROUP TO MEET IN CEDAR RAPIDS AT RAILROADERS REUNION

        (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)--The Iowa Association of Railroad Passengers, Inc.,
(IARP) will be holding its next meeting at Ushers Ferry Historic Village in
Cedar Rapids at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 7th. The group will hear about
the delays in release of the report by the Midwest Rail Initiative, a
nine-state cosortium looking at possible enhancements to regional railroad
passenger service, as well as other rail passenger issues.
        IARP President Richard F. "Dick" Welch (of North Liberty) says IARP is a
state-wide group that supports rail passenger service--both commercial and
tourist service. Welch says the group meets at various locations throughout
the state. Previous recent meeting sites have included Amana, Boone, and
Des Moines.
        Welch says, "This is a chance for our members and the public to get
together and talk about railroad passenger service proposals and issues as
well as enjoy the Railroaders Reunion activities."
        The meeting is being held at the same time as the "Eleventh Annual
Railroaders Reunion" at Ushers Ferry. The Railroaders Reunion features
railroad displays, slide and video presentations, operating model
railroads, children's activities, as well as various sale and swap tables.
This year's featured railroad is the Illinois Central Railroad. Food is
available on the grounds.
        The meeting is open to the public and non-members are encouraged to
attend. However, there is an admission fee for access to the reunion
grounds. Public Adult admission is $3.00. Admission for children 5-11 is
$1.00. Under 5-years-old are admitted free.
        Ushers Ferry Historic Village is located next to Seminole Valley Park in
northwest Cedar Rapids. Follow 42nd Street west to Seminole Valley Road,
turn on Seminole Valley Trail.
        Membership information is available from the Iowa Association of Railroad
Passengers, Inc., 3349 Southgate Court, SW, Suite 108, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
52404. Membership information will also be available at the meeting.
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