Sidebar by Marcia Darnell
Railroads – June 2003 – Colorado Central Magazine
How important is the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad to Antonito? Judging by the numbers, it’s critical.
Those numbers have fluctuated in the last couple of years, due to the train’s trouble with the economy and fire restrictions. According to Richard Gomez, executive director of the C&TRR Commission, the operation put $45 million into Rio Arriba (New Mexico) and Conejos (Colorado) counties in 2001, the last time the train had a full season.
“It’s split about half and half,” he said.
Rafael Gallegos, mayor of Antonito, says last year’s cutbacks have hurt small businesses. “It has affected the restaurants and the motel.”
Theresa Martinez, Conejos County Administrator, pegs the county’s 2003 budget at just over $13 million. And according to County Treasurer Mack Crowther, property tax revenue from 2002 is projected to be $979,740 for Conejos County.
It’s obvious that Conejos County can use every extra dollar it gets, and that the loss of revenue from C&TSRR hurts.
Mayor Gallegos said that Antonito’s potential financial benefit is curbed by the location of the loading zone for the railroad just outside of town. But according to Gallegos, the town has acquired the 100-year-old depot in the center of town, and plans to renovate it.
In the future, Antonito hopes to work with the railroad to extend the track into town, and make everyone’s wallet happier.
— Marcia Darnell
