PLANNING HIGHLIGHTS

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – U.S. Economic Development Administration

On April 28, 2003, Don Evans, Secretary for the US Department of Commerce, presented a check for $1,000,000 to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission.  As the parent agency to the Economic Development Administration, the Department of Commerce made the presentation in Santa Fe to acknowledge the importance of the railroad to the state and to bring attention to Preserve America, a White House initiative linking economic development and historic preservation.

Secretary Evans also announced that EDA had recently won a national award, the Advisory  Council on Historic Preservation's Chairman's Award for Federal Achievement in Historic Preservation, for work on the Cumbres & Toltec.

The $1,000,000 ed state and private funds to bring the antique steam locomotives up to Federal Railroad Administration standards for steam boilers.  The work was challenging, since each of the six locomotives is unique and must have its own set of standards developed as repairs are made.  

The refurbished locomotives will pull tourists and their contributions to the local economy.  Although ticket sales are not taxed, the travelers bring an estimated $40,000,000 in revenues to the Chama, NM and $10,000,000 Antonito, CO region.

The railroad is owned by a bi-state commission joining Colorado and New Mexico in an unusual partnership.  Two commissioners are appointed by each Governor. 

NCNMEDD assisted C&TSRR obtain two grants, each for $1,000,000, from the U.S. Economic Development Administration over the course of several years, acted as grant administrator for the activities.

For more information, contact the official website, www.cumbrestoltec.com or call 1-888-CUMBRES.

North Central NM Economic Development District, District 2
P.O. Box 5115 Santa Fe, NM 87502
Phone: 866-699-4927, 505-827-7313 Fax: 505-827-7414
Tim Armer, Executive Director