Re: Abandonment of C&S Buena Vista-Hancock Branch?

Jerry Day Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bill:
>
> It was partly prompted by the D&RGW's plan to
> remove the dual gauge between Salida and Leadville
> which happed in 1925.

partly, of course C&S had been trying to abandon the line for a couple of years. The ICC reports i have copies of don't mention the pending removal as a reason tho.

The case was heard as finance docket No. 1572 reports are;
72 ICC 315 filed 6/15/22, decided 7/28/22 Denied
82 ICC 310 (rehearing) filed 5/19/23, decided 9/24/23 permitted
86 ICC 393 (rehearing) filed 12/1/23, decided 2/11/24 appeal by state
denied.

I don't have a copy of the second report.

A few interesting tidbits
"the track is laid with 40 to 56 pounf rail"
"only town of importance served is Buena Vista with a population of 903."
"population of tributary territory, including the population of Buena Vista, is estimated by the applicant at 993."
from 1/1/16 to 11/30/21:
revenues: $80,603.50
Op expenses: $185,912.74
taxes: $106,716.87
interest: $145,550

(above from 72 ICC)
"The applicant has offered to lease the line to the protestants at a nominal rental of $5 a year, provided they will operate it and pay the operating expense and taxes."
"Our certificate herein will provide that it shall take effect and be in force from and after six months from the date it is issued"
(above from 86 ICC)

Apparently nobody took C&S up on the deal.

hank