Thursday, March 8, 2012

Vital Asset --The Pueblo Chieftain-Opinion-Editorials



THE CUMBRES & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs a route crossing the Colorado-New Mexico border between Antonito and Chama, N.M., during the summer tourist season. The railroad is jointly owned by the two states. 

But new federal regulations could cause a shutdown of the enterprise. The rail line recently told the Colorado Legislature’s Capital Development Committee that $150,000 in funding is necessary to assess bridge and trestle stability. If there are stability problems, the line would need to act quickly to continue operating. 

The $150,000 would be used as leverage to gain approval of a $2 million federal grant request. Capital Development will decide soon on which projects it will recommend for funding by the Joint Budget Committee. 

We believe this request should be honored. The railroad, which snakes its way over 64 miles of narrow gauge track and crosses the state line 11 times on its journey, is one of the few remaining examples of the original Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge line, a railroad built in the 1880s to serve miners and loggers in the San Juan Mountains. It’s an important piece of Colorado history. 

 It takes its passengers over trestles and through tunnels, climbing through the San Juan Mountains and giving passengers an awesome view of natural scenery. A one-way trip takes about six hours. 

The railroad’s economic implications are important for both Antonito and Chama. C&T commissioner Dan Love has noted that the railroad is the primary reason that there is any earned income in Antonito. The tourism dollars are important to that portion of Southern Colorado. 

This modest fund request should be honored because it’s the right thing to do.

http://www.chieftain.com/opinion/editorials/vital-asset/article_d33eb176-6735-11e1-b8db-001871e3ce6c.html

Antonito__church, sketches, small town