Expansion of the Sumpter Valley Railroad beyond its current 5 miles of mainline has long been a goal of the organization. However,one of the problems we seem to have had over the past 10 years or so has been trying to do too much and not accomplishing some of the tasks that we already have before us. Two examples come to mind. First is the loop in Sumpter. If we can't can't pull this project off as part of the overall State Park development in Sumpter, it is not going to look too good for us. The end of track has remained in the same location for about 5 years. That is not to say the State hasn't dragged their feet or delayed things but thats the way it is when you work another group who may different objectives. The other project is the Union Creek expansion. I know we all like to bash the federal government but the Forest Service completed the required environmental analysis to support the Union Creek expansion at a substantial cost to the taxpayers. An environmental analysis has a life span of five years which has now expired. In a five year period, we have laid about 30 feet track across Dredge Loop Road and haven't even come close to National Forest System Land. How do you think the Forest Service is going to react when the railroad says they want to rebuild the Curry Branch when our record with them is less than stellar? Until we can show that we are serious in our efforts and can show proven accomplishments, any talk of rebuiling more right of way is simply "blowing smoke." I think we can mobilize and get some things completed but lets try to keep them within reason.
Steve Howes
Former SVRy President and Board Memeber
