Can anyone confirm this?
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic receives million-dollar grant
SANTA FE, N.M. – The U.S. Commerce Department is giving a $1 million grant
to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission.
The money will help rebuild the C&TS’s historic steam locomotives. The
narrow-gauge railroad, which operates on the former Denver & Rio Grande
Western line, carries tourists between New Mexico and Colorado from spring
into fall each year. New Mexico and Colorado jointly own the 64-mile line
that runs between Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo.
Railroad officials said earlier this month the train will make limited runs
this season – one-way trips Sundays through Wednesdays – because only one of
its locomotives will be ready. A bus will pick up passengers and return them
to the train’s departing depot.
The Federal Railroad Administration has told the railroad that the boilers
for the steam-powered locomotives must be improved to meet federal standards
before the season starts. The federal money comes from a fund that promotes
the use of historic properties and resources for economic development and
heritage tourism. The railroad commission and the state of New Mexico
matched the grant with $250,000.
OPERATION LIFESAVER
Maybe I will get to ride this one anyway. I had heard that they had shut down for the season last fall and that they might not reopen this next season.