Rader Sidetrack Wrote:
--------------------------------------------------
> Let us not throw Russo under the [Rail] bus so
> quickly ...
>
> Note that "Compact" that Dick referrs to was
> Federal legislation to allow the State of New
> Mexico and the State of Colorado to jointly form
> the "Commission" that today runs the C&TRR.
> BUT ... that "Compact legislation"
> was approved in 1974, and did not
> fund or facilitate the purchase of the DRG&W
> assets, as the purchase by the two States occurred
> 4 years earlier than the Compact.
>
> And at least in some documents, even the current
> Commission own document's recognize that there is
> an "economic development" component to its
> mission ...
>

Quote
C&TRR Commission Policies
> 7. Developing planning strategies that further the
> long-term viability and historic significance of
> the railroad, including implementing a strategic
> plan (based upon relevant stakeholder input) that
> reflects the tourism and economic
> development objectives of the railroad and the
> states and that provides for the upkeep of
> the railroad’s historic assets in conformance
> with preservation standards;
>
> Read it yourself here:
> [commission.ctsrr.com]
> 7/02/Policies-and-Practices-v6.1.pdf
>

Not to worry, youse guys --

As has been noted several times previously, "Don't take Roosso too serious – he ain't nohow permanent."  Besides, all of us "Wild-Eyed Foamers from California" know that the 'Economic Development' angle was just a smoke screen to get the two states to save 'our' railroad, just like the D&RGW got sorta tricked into running the 'Natl. Park Service' inspection train back in 1968, IIRC.  And as I pointed out (a bit exaggerated, I'll admit), it's a lot better for New Mexico to invest $750,000 in economic development (the C&TS) than to spend twice that (or more) in welfare payments & food stamps if the railroad died and all of the business it brings into Rio Arriba County went away.

- El Abuelo Histœrico, Greengo y Curmudgeoño de los Locomoturas Viejos y Verdes,
aka Der Grossväterlich DünkelOlivGrünDampfKesselMantelLiebHabender