I sat in on a couple meetings with these nice folks, and they appear to have some good momentum on this project. One thing they have going is their outreach and inclusivity. They are speaking with other, successful tourist lines and operators, and seeking advice in dealing with the powers that be at all junctions. There has been much talk in the past about this line and some false starts.
After speaking with this group, it appears they have looked at the engine in the picture above, which is currently in need of a home. It’s currently sitting in a warehouse. Built in 1906, it was the last steam engine to run over Tennessee Pass. It has been rebuilt to run on oil, possibly recycled grease. A green train?
What they are lacking are interested people to be involved. If you have any questions, give Michael a call 281-686-8625, or attend a meeting.
Let us know your thoughts, and please consider that these folks are in the exploratory stage. If your comment alludes to the difficulty of dealing with the railroads, they’ve probably already heard it, which is why an early effort has been to find inroads through private, and public groups, that have already done the dance in other places.
The overview below was submitted by the small group interested in getting this project off the ground. -bd
MEETING: April 22nd, 6:30 p.m. Salida Library.
NEXT MEETING: May 20, 6:30 p.m. SteamPlant
This meeting is being held to discuss forming a 501 C nonprofit organization that will make it possible for a concessioner to operate a tourist train from Salida to Buena Vista.
Arkansas River Valley Tourist Train
America needs to create more jobs, reduce its dependence on foreign oil, and become more carbon-efficient. Reviving railroad lines can make a significant contribution to these goals—quickly and cost-effectively. In addition, reviving passenger rail travel in the United States would bring back crucial jobs and help keep American dollars in America.
However, we face substantial challenges that require strong leadership and vision at the local, state, and national levels.
Right now, we have a unique opportunity to leverage private, state, and federal funding to re-establish rail service in the Arkansas River Valley via the creation of a public-private partnership. In addition to providing a safe, productive, energy-efficient and environmentally-sensitive mode of travel, it would create new jobs and business opportunities.
The railroad line along the north / east side of the Arkansas River was established in the late 1870’s by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and operated steadily through the 1970’s as a freight hauler, with some passenger service. The line, which connects Pueblo on the east and Grand Junction on the west, is known as the Tennessee Pass line, and is one of a few rail routes over the continental divide.
In 1988 D&RG merged with Southern Pacific Railroad, and in 1996, Union Pacific purchased Southern Pacific. With closure of many mining operations, and mergers and consolidations of railroad operators, Union Pacific ceased regular operations on the Tennessee Pass line in 1997. The line has not been abandoned, leaving potential for future use.
Railroad Property North of the Arkansas River
Downtown Salida was created as a commercial hub directly across the river from the rail yard that established the community. The rail yard was the employment center for the community for many years, and it was a major service and transportation hub for the D&RG.
However, railroad activity diminished over a number of years, and now there is no rail activity across the river at all. The defunct rail yard and underutilized property behind tall chain link fences have become blight on the downtown, even though it is a logical extension of the downtown and should be improved and utilized.
Work with Union Pacific to Develop the Property
We envision making the railroad property an active extension of the downtown by developing a train station and retail establishments on the old rail yard property.
We would encourage the Union Pacific to work with the Salida city government and the Chaffee County government to redevelop the property for such recreational, commercial, mixed-use activities and Tourist Train Opportunities
Master Plan Development
The former rail yard should be recognized as the gateway to public lands, Tourist and commuter train opportunities, transit-oriented development, existing and future trail connections, and recreational activities.
The following elements should be included in the master plan:
- As the population ages and fuel prices rise, accessible mass transportation becomes more important.
- A vision for the property, and appropriate zoning or overlay zoning for the area.
- Legal at-grade crossings to access County Road 177 and public lands north of the railroad tracks.
- Civic uses that complement but do not compete with downtown, across the F Street Bridge.
- Addition of space for public parking for downtown visitors.
- Transportation connections to Buena Vista, downtown, trails, public lands, and US 50 and Hwy 291.
- Consideration of utility connections associated with any transportation or development plans for the property.
- A utility corridor to connect the wastewater plant with downtown and Highway 291, to support future redevelopment within the city and beyond current municipal boundaries.
- Extension of the Riverfront Park and trails.
- Recognition of the important role the property played in the history of Salida, e.g., an interpretive kiosk.
Planning for Improvements – Capital Planning
Local governments have to consider a wide range of public facilities and equipment when prioritizing capital expenditures. A systematic approach to capital planning provides a number of advantages to local citizens.
Capital planning and prioritization for projects should consider:
Community needs, goals and vision
Assessment of the need for repair, replacement or expansion of facilities
Coordination with other projects
Land acquisition
Project financing
Economic activity and development
Future operating / maintenance costs of the facility
Well done Bill. Could even take the idea of activity across the river into a “mock up” of what buildings were there during the hay day of the railroads and promote tours of the property. An effort between the city, county and railroad talking about the history and it’s importance to the local area. Shine the spotlight on the railroad and get them involved as a partner. They may like that.
Steve
Great start. I’m glad to see the general manager of the San Luis Valley tourist train involved/interested. He’ll know the hurdles and how to approach them. I had to miss last week’s meeting but the May meeting is on the calendar! I’m a bit of a train fan and railroad advocate. I enjoy the tourist trains and use current revenue passenger trains (commuter and long distance) whenever I can both in the US and overseas.. While this is certainly an ambitious endeavor, if a new Colorado tourist train is possible this is certainly historically and scenically an ideal locale. I hope to get involved make this a reality.
Jim R.
Sure hope you guys pull it off. I remember when the trains still rumbled down the valley feeding the pueblo steel mills…Now the trains are gone from the DRGW rail line, the US has no real steel output and we buy all Chinese goods…why this national suicide? The community of Crede has stiff-armed the development of their historic rail line which would bring in tourist dollars…why? I just returned from Japan, I rode the Gora electric mountain railroad that has 8 switchbacks, countless tunnels and still operates the engines and cars built in the 20′s…as revenue garnering infrastructure…why would you not want that?…I hope Salida is smarter than Crede.