NR Nomination Conspiracy Theory NOT!

All:
I was approached by the Colorado Historical Society several years ago to update the previous National Register nomination, prepared circa 1971. The update has several purposes. One was to more thoroughly document all the stuff that is the C&TS. Another was the significance component. Please don't consider the name a jibe at the C&TS, part of a UP conspiracy, or any other conspiricy: it is just history.
The previous document was about 10 pages including forms, maps and text, plus a handful of photos. Like many things in our world, the earlier nomination was a pretty simple and direct document. In the intervening years NPS has developed a whole handbook for these nominations with pretty specific proceedures and policies and language. The new document includes over 70 excellent images provided by Tom Cardin, plus forms, 80 pages of text, maps of each site and 8 USGS maps. And thanks to some of you who answered my questions, either on this board or via e-mail.
Another important issue was to raise/ improve/ increase the significance from local/ regional to national. This is important particularly as the Friends apporach a broader group of foundations for funds to continue the ongoing preservation.
The name? Well, the line was constructed as part of the San Juan Extension of the Denver & Rio Grande. This name was used in part to underscore the (national) importance of the railroad as part of westward expansion and settlement along the Colorado-New Mexico border. No slight to the C&TS is intended, and others are correct in noting that the C&TS at 36 is something of an antique in its own right.
The nomination was submitted to CHS almost a year ago and recieved formal approval from that organization about six months ago. I am delighted that New Mexico has also approved the nomination. It sounds like the package is now off to Washington, D.C. for a couple more signatures. Hopefully the ink will be dry by opening day 2007!
Next up, when I recover and my wife lets me: OM and OY.
Keith