Re: work trains

Little too early to say anything specific. Can say it will take probably at least five years (and a few more EDA grants) to get the whole line ballasted. By the end of next season we should have eleven to twelve miles ballasted, starting with the spots that need it the most. Much work to do next year in addition to ballast: shoulder restoration, ditching, tunnels, more ties, relay rail, surfacing, lining, and more surfacing. We have a new Speedswing to help, a spud liner should be finished soon, and hopefully progress is being made on the hoppers. The crews have been working, as weather allows this winter, replacing 70# rail with 90 on the curves around Lava. A couple of Friends are donating money for a hydraulic bolt machine to help tighten our loose joints.