Re: Comments on Trackwork.

"...However, considering that this is funded at least partially by public means in combination with our society (Friends)....."
The work that you describe is FRA-mandated retaining walls, being paid for by the EDA grant. Bill Collins and his crew are funded by the EDA grant. My understanding is that the retaining walls were not on the agenda until the FRA demanded them. Some track work had to take a back-seat. I don't think that any money from The Friends is involved.
It helps to remember once in a while, that all that gummint money goes to The Commission, NOT to the operator, and NOT to The Friends. The operator draws his share when work is done.