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On Oct. 26, Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co. owners and representatives from the town of Hudson, Steuben County Commissioners and Steuben County Economic Development Corp. dedicated the short line's new locomotive maintenance facility in Hudson, Ind.

The $1.6 million facility features three sidings, two of which extend into the shop, as well as a lighted service pit, 25-ton crane, and equipment designed to service locomotives and other rail equipment.

Five Shultz family siblings, who own South Milford Grain Co. Inc., acquired the railroad in 1992. Indiana Northeastern operates about 130 miles of track in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

In addition to building the maintenance facility, the short line recently formed a partnership with The Andersons Inc. and Steuben County to upgrade a 19-mile line from the Michigan state line to the DeKalb County line. The vintage 19th Century rail on the line limited The Andersons' shipping capacity, Steuben County officials said in a prepared statement. Indiana Northeastern funded 40 percent of the $5 million project, which was completed in late September.

"This railroad is very important to Steuben County's economic development. We will enjoy the benefits from these projects for years to come," said Steuben County Commissioners President Ron Smith.