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C&TS budget talks chugging along
Oct 29 2003 12:00AM By By DAMON HALEY
By DAMON HALEY
Conejos County Citizen
ANTONITO - Is the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad 'A bottomless money pit or a living, 64-mile museum? That's the question state legislators are asking themselves as they decide to fund the railroad this year, according to Colorado State Senator Lewis Entz.
Entz said that while getting the full $1.2 million requested by railroad Executive Commissioner Richard Gomez will be tough during the state's economic crunch, he is optimistic that some funding will make it into the state's final budget.
He said the state's revenue is $3 million above prior projections, but that money won't go far. Entz said that finding funding is more than just a battle of priorities between the densely populated Front Range and the sparsely populated San Luis Valley.
He said the Colorado and New Mexico jointly owned railroad has advocates in Denver and that it is a growing priority of the governor.
A few weeks ago Governor Owens approved a $61,400 grant for the railroad's maintenance shop in Antonito. The money comes out of $149 million in federal temporary relief funds to Colorado, which are part of Pres. Bush's Job and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.
Last year, the Colorado legislature appropriated no money for the railroad, while New Mexico gave $710,000, which allowed it to operate.
The inconsistency in funding led New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to have one of the New Mexico railroad commissioners propose to buy the railroad outright from Colorado. The railroad commission voted down the move, to the relief of Antonito citizens worried about their economy, should the train leave.
Entz is optimistic that others at the capitol will see funding the 64-mile passenger train running from Antonito to Chama, N.M. as a priority. He said the railroad does have its critics.
"It's in southern part of state. (Most of the legislators) are up in the metro area," said Entz. "There are only six (rural districts) that represent 95 percent of the state. They think the railroad should be self supporting."
Entz said the railroad isn't any different than a museum or park. He said if it closed for a year, it would be very hard to return to operation.
Gomez said the $1.2 million request would keep the railroad running smoothly.
His proposal asked for $400,000 to repair the line, $400,000 to upgrade steam locomotives, $150,000 for repairs in Osier, $150,000 to upgrade water tanks and water treatment and $85,000 to operate the railroad commission. He said similar requests are being made to New Mexico.
State representative John Salazar said getting the full funding would be tough.
"The budget is horrible," Salazar said. "The legislative council is more afraid of next year because of TABOR limits."
Besides money from the legislature, Gomez said his office is developing a masterplan, which will be completed next fall.
He said the masterplan would help the railroad get additional foundation money.
The railroad met its projection for its limited 2003 season by hauling more than 18,000 passengers and making about $1.1 million in revenue, according to Gomez.
This year it operated on a limited schedule, making four runs a week. The 2003 season ended week before last.
The 2004 season begins May 29 with three more locomotives for a five-day-a-week schedule, Gomez said.
©Alamosa Valley Courier 2003
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