Operating agency discusses transition
BY MARIE WHITEHEAD

The Texas State Railroad Operating Agency board of directors met Monday afternoon in Palestine to review the current status of transfer of the TSR from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to a proposed public-private operation with American Heritage Railways.

In an update, President Steve Presley was joined by attorney for the board, Ron Stutes, in explaining the status of legislation which will affect the legalization of the transfer from TPWD to the recently approved Texas State Railroad Authority.

The Authority will be composed of seven persons. Three will be nominated by the Rusk City Council and three from the Palestine City Council. These six will make a selection for a seventh member. Both Rusk and Palestine city councils are expected to announce their decisions in the near future.

The next meeting date will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at Citizens 1st Bank in Rusk.

Legislation remains unsigned by Gov. Rick Perry which contains the financial arrangements for the TSR transfer. He has approximately 20 days from the date of the session's conclusion. It can become law within a week.

"We have received no indications that there is any opposition. We expect this bill to pass as we understand it," said Mr. Presley.

Other items on the agenda were discussed including consideration of necessary amendments to the operating agreement with American Heritage Railways.

Representatives from AHR are in East Texas this week. Their itinerary included a reception Tuesday night in Palestine.

Wednesday's schedule called for meetings with personnel at the TSR. This was to focus on the company's human resource presentation in which salaries, health care and benefits will be explained.

Wednesday evening in Rusk, Charles and Leslie Hassell will host a reception for the owners and personnel of American Heritage Railways.

"We have a lot to do to make all this happen," said Mr. Presley. "The most important is the official designation of new members to the TSR Railroad Authority."

After the seven are chosen, they will draw for expiration dates in service.

The group discussed plans for a ceremonial transfer of the train to American Heritage with a combined fund raiser event, similar to last October's "Save the Train."

A September date was considered with invited dignitaries to include officials who supported the change of operation from TPWD to the public-private concept. It has already been announced that Thomas the Tank will pay an official visit to TSR Oct. 19-21 and Oct. 26-28.

In addition to those named, board members attending the meeting were Dan Davis and Dale Brown of Palestine; also Charles Hassell, Bob Goldsberry and Marie Whitehead of Rusk. Daniel Mahoney, administrative assistant to State Rep. Chuck Hopson, was also present.