Universal agreement in politics? Good luck with that one! I can't even get coworkers to agree on pizza toppings for lunch.
Nevertheless, as someone with a substantial background in historic preservation, the whole "economic development" angle is a critical component of so many historic preservation projects. The C&TS does provide a measure of longer-term economic stability in its surrounding area. There are many people who work for the railroad, but there are even more who earn a living in supporting roles, like restaurants, lodging, gas stations, etc. Also, all those tourists coming into an area drive on roads, which have to be maintained, generate trash, which must be addressed, and go to stores for touristy trinkets, batteries, sunblock, snacks, coffee, etc. People earn their living supporting these needs, and the tax collectors get revenue from each sale and each employee in the chain. These jobs may not seem amazing, but they keep folks off of welfare and maintain a standard of living for many.
There's a lot more to the economic impact of the C&TS than just the folks directly employed by the railroad.
May it continue,
David