Scenic Railroad's Future Remains Murky

By Gary E. Salazar
Journal Staff Writer

Numerous questions loom about the future of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in New Mexico and Colorado as the summer approaches.

The railroad does not have a company to operate the train this summer, is behind on its efforts to get three locomotives built to meet federal regulations, has done nothing to improve two portions of track and is not promoting the approaching season with advertising.

The four-member bistate commission that oversees the steam-powered railroad must accomplish the first three before the line can open, which is usually in May.

John Swartz, a New Mexico commissioner, said the board is working hard to make sure the railroad operates this summer. "It's going to be some task," Swartz said.

The commission, which includes two members each from New Mexico and Colorado, may answer the first question this weekend. Saturday, the commission is expected to review bids from four potential operators.

Swartz said he plans to attend the meeting but said it might be as a spectator. He said he and the other New Mexico commissioner, Medardo Sanchez Jr., may be removed now that Gov. Bill Richardson has taken office. Swartz and Sanchez were appointed by former Gov. Gary Johnson. Officials for Gov. Bill Richardson could not be reached for comment.

Mounting tasks
Regardless of his position Saturday, Swartz said the meeting in Antonito, Colo., is significant. The commission will review bids submitted by Scenic Railways II; The Railroad Operations Consortium; Jerry Fisher, a transportation consultant from Virginia; and Rio Grande Railway Preservation Corp., which terminated its five-year contract with the commission in October.

The company ended its operating agreement after losing $1.5 million in revenue last year due to a monthlong shutdown ordered in June by the U.S. Forest Service. The shutdown ensued because of extreme fire danger in the Carson and Rio Grande national forests.

Swartz said the financial soundness of all four bidders is questionable. "If for some reason none of the operators qualify, we will have to ask the states to come up with different means to operate the railroad," he said. Should that happen, Swartz said the season opening may be delayed.

If an operator is found, the commission still has to meet federal regulations for its locomotives as well as improve the track.

Swartz said work has started on bringing two of a fleet of six locomotives up to par. The coal-fired engines and boilers must meet federal standards before they're certified for hauling passengers along the 64-mile narrow-gauge line from Chama to Antonito, Swartz said.

He said he is hopeful three locomotives will be ready by May.

Swartz said a lack of funding has delayed the improvements, but a $1.2 million grant is expected to pay for the work.

Terri Shaw, president of the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, is partnering with the commission to secure the federal grant. Shaw said the grant application is in the final stages. She expects funding to be available within the next two months, she said.

Swartz said the money may not come in time for the repairs to be done by the start of the season. "I'm afraid we won't be able to spend the money fast enough once we get it," he said. However, Swartz sounds more optimistic regarding track improvements ordered by the Federal Railroad Administration. "I'm comfortable the track work can be done this spring," he said. The federal agency has ordered the commission to improve the track embankments at two spots.

John Megary, regional director of the Federal Railroad Administration, wrote the commission in November expressing doubt the work can be completed. "Given the history of deep snow accumulations at these locations, waiting until spring may not be an option," Megary wrote.

Swartz said the commission is not spending money to promote or advertise for the upcoming season because it is uncertain when the railroad will open. "It's pretty hard to promote a season when the season is so iffy," he said.

Matter of survival
Former Gov. David Cargo has been following the commission closely and questions the railroad's future. As governor, he encouraged New Mexico and Colorado to buy the railroad in 1970.

Cargo said the railroad's future appears bleak. "They are headed for a good-sized train wreck," Cargo said. "I can't tell you the disappointment I feel. The train has provided a good economy in Chama. We have a living museum when it comes to the railroad."

Cargo said the commission and the two states must work together to ensure the railroad stays in business because of its economic importance to Chama and Antonito. Chama Mayor Archie Vigil has estimated that 95 percent of the businesses in Chama rely on the railroad.

"This is a matter of survival," Cargo said. "If they are going to save it, they are going to have to get to work. When you talk to people in Chama, the train is their life blood."