Observer Sam Seiber once again has produced detailed notes of Saturday's commission meeting. I won't try to summarize, but will highlight several of the more important items:
- The voluntary June fire prevention closure caused an estimated $750,000 loss in revenue to the railroad with an estimated $2.6 million loss to the surrounding communities. As you may remember, all national forests in New Mexico were closed due to drought and heat, and two fires (started as controlled burns) in the spring merged producing the largest forest fire in the state's history and destroyed many homes and some communities north of Las Vegas that dated back to Spanish and Mexican establishment. A detailed fire management plan was prepared and submitted to the Forest Service. It has received a very favorable response and is being transmitted to other forest districts and to DC.
- Now that the railroad is back in operation, the heavy monsoon rainfall has caused track crews to clear ditches and ROW from mud and debris and has delayed tie replacement.
- In addition to the above revenue loss, insurance costs have increased an average of 31% due to both general liability and property cost increases plus the fire damage at the Osier dining hall. The current estimate for its recovery is going to exceed $2,000,000 and revealed the property is under insured. Dining hall work has been delayed first by material shortages and now access due to flooded roads.
- Engine availability is a bright spot. #168, 463, 484 and 489 are operational. #489 is the only current oil burner and had its combustion equipment adjusted so that it is closer to K-36 engines in Durango. #488 will be making an appearance shortly and #487 is awaiting parts for its repair. Another engine, #484 or 487 will be converted to oil over the coming winter. #315 is undergoing flue sheet work in Durango.
- Friends work is continuing though attendance has been down. One issue that affected both the Friends and the RR was the reported Chama water shortage in June. Two major leaks made statewide news and when they were repaired that notice was not as widely reported. However, though there is no shortage of water, pretreatment is an issue and less is available then normally would be.
Now that you have the highlights, go and read the detailed information at the link:
http://train.sbseiber.com/CTM2022Jul30.html
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/02/22 12:20 by Cumbresfan.
You done did gooood = Thank You.
Roger Hogan
Chama, NM
Train Stuff Roger, Thanks. Sam is the one that done did good! It takes time and dedication to produce the complete notes he always provides.
