Re: Georgetown Loop Press Release

Casinos? That is actually a major factor in this situation. Casinos & GLR are the sources of funding for the Loop. The state of Colorado is not funding CHS as they used to. Current politics in Colorado do not have C&TS or GLR as a priority.
Third rail in the Gorge? Consider, it is still listed as a potential bridge route of a Class 1 transcontinental railroad. Perhaps ... maybe ...
It's a shame. I've been an employee at GLR since 1996. The equipment and locomotives have done nothing but get better. # 40 and # 12 are in primo tip top shape, while # 14 remains the ever-ready standby. The complete trainset itself goes through the shop every winter, always continually improving.
Fat lady singing? I think she's been humming a tune in the background, because # 44's restoration completion has been put on hold due to terms of this issue never getting resolution.
Georgetown Loop has been the passion of mine and many others over the last 30 years. Many many railroaders cut their baby teeth on that line. The Ashbys have shown graciousness, wisdom, and all around good nature in those 30 years.
I think the railroad community should at least come up with a suitable tribute to Lindsey and Rosa for putting their heart and souls into bringing life back into a line that was abandoned in 1939 and restarted in 1973.