SW Chief gains steam Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on google_plusone_shareShare on pinterest_shareShare on emailShare on print BY ANTHONY A. MESTAS THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN Published: March 8, 2014; Last modified: March 8, 2014 10:32PM Pueblo County Commissioner Sal Pace said Saturday the Colorado Rail Passenger Association is backing an effort to keep Amtrak’s Southwest Chief riding the rails through Southern Colorado, and possibly adding a stop in Pueblo. Pace spoke to a packed room during an open forum held at the History Colorado Center in Denver on Saturday morning. Pace explained HB141161, a measure that would provide a solution to partner five parties — Amtrak, BNSF Railway and the states of Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico — to save the Southwest Chief line and add a stop in Pueblo. The bill passed the House Local Government Committee unanimously and is now scheduled to be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on Friday morning. “What was apparent today is that we have broad statewide support. The vast majority of the (association’s) membership were from the north and from metro areas. I think to a person, everyone in the room supports our efforts,” Pace said. “It’s a statewide concern.” State Rep. Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo, could not attend the meeting but issued a statement to be read. “I remain committed and with your help, I know we have a great opportunity to not only save the Southwest Chief line, but also to promote tourism and jobs in Southern and Southeastern Colorado,” Garcia said. “I am proud of our collective effort to save the Southwest Chief and while we have accomplished a lot, much work remains. Together, we will get this done. Full steam ahead.” Amtrak is considering diverting the Southwest Chief due to maintenance issues and discontinuing passenger rail service on the line that has stops in Trinidad, La Junta and Lamar. “This is a critical issue for the future of Southeastern Colorado and Pueblo in growing our tourism and economic development,” Pace said. anthonym@chieftain - See more at: chieftain/mobile/msearch/2360509-123/chief-colorado-pace-pueblo#sthash.Ig1HXJM3.dpuf
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 09:19:01 +0000
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