End Of The Line For The Texas State Railroad

It looks more and more like December 30 will be the last hurrah for the Texas State Railroad.

Amid all the talk about preserving our state’s parks during the last election cycle, the demise of the Texas State Railroad (even if it is only temporary) could well be the catalyst that forces the Legislature to take action.

The problem with the state railroad, like most state parks, is that it isn’t a revenue-generating activity for the state. It is, in fact, more of a black hole than other parks in the state park system.

However, its historical importance and the economic impact it has on the tourism industry in East Texas have its local supporters up in arms.

Right now, they are hoping for emergency funding and finding a private company to run the railroad. Otherwise, its last run is set for December 30.

The Texas State Railroad Preservation Task Force has asked the state to come up with $650,000 to keep the train running into 2007 until the Legislature can vote on additional long-term appropriations.  Absent long-term appropriations, the task force wants to turn the train over to a private company for operational purposes.

The railroad reportedly loses about $1 million a year and will require $40 million over the next decade to keep running:

Under the current budget, “we’re not painting coaches, we’re not buying cross ties, we’re not buying wheel and axle sets,” said Robert Crossman III, general superintendent of the Texas State Railroad State Park.

As park funding dwindles, the situation worsens.

“We’re going to become basically a camping park with railroad displays,” said Mr. Price.

Governor Perry’s office has already said they don’t believe the Legislative Budget Board, the group that would have to deal with the emergency appropriation, would take up the issue. Craddick’s office says he has no idea when a decision will be made. Perry and Craddick, along with Dewhurst, signed letters during the election season stating their support for the railroad; that support, however, has failed to materialize.

Tweet This Post   Ping This Post

Bookmark It