George M. Hart, president of Rail Tours Inc. and owner of the steam train that draws legions of tourists to Jim Thorpe annually, has been cited by the Senate of Pennsylvania for his key role in the success of the community’s continuing tourism renaissance.

A resolution adopted by the Senate states Hart’s railroad equipment, combined with his special expertise, have proven to be the decided asset to the growing influence of tourism in Jim Thorpe and have contributed immeasurably to the expansion of that project by attracting thousands of tourists each year.

He is the owner of old No. 972, a 74-year-old steam locomotive that gained national recognition since he brought it to the U.S. from Saskatchewan 21 years ago.