Do or die: We must support current plans for the TSR
STATE SEN. ROBERT NICHOLS

STATE SEN. ROBERT NICHOLS

These are critical days for the Texas State Railroad. As

the 80th Legislature comes to an end, we must finalize a way to keep the train running

or it will

be converted to

STATE SEN.

a static display

ROBERT NICHOLS

in September.

The good news is that the Legislature has already approved an authorization to let a partnership of the cities of Rusk and Palestine lease out operations of the railroad.

Understandably, some would rather see the train continue to operate as a state park. Unfortunately, this appears to no longer be an option. Even if the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department receives every cent of the sporting goods tax, their plans to shutdown the Texas State Railroad will not change.

From day one as your state senator, I have pursued funding for state operation of the Texas State Railroad. However, knowing what a challenge that would be, I also supported the efforts of local leaders to find an alternate operator for the train. Now in the final days of the legislative session, we have two options: an alternate operator or a static display. At this point in time, to advocate against the transfer of the railroad is to argue for its demise.

I thank all the citizens of East Texas who have worked so hard to keep the Texas State Railroad running, and I encourage all those passionate about the train to come together and support those laying a groundwork to keep the train open for generations to come. The partnership between Rusk and Palestine is not the best option to save the train; it is the only option.

It is sad that Texas State Railroad will no longer be an operational state park. However, I am optimistic that local citizens will seize this opportunity to invest in this piece of history in their own backyard. I ask that you join our efforts to preserve this Texas treasure.