Tracking The Problem
TPWD selects new funding option for Texas State Railroad repairs
BY LELAND ACKER

Funding for repairs to the Texas State Railroad appear to be on again-off again as revenue sources have changed. Last week, it was reported that Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) funds earmarked for park roads would be used to repair the Texas State Railroad.

This report came after State Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) found in the Texas Constitution that a railroad could be defined as a road. However, toward the end of the week, news began to surface that those TxDOT funds would not be available until January 2008. Scott Boruff, acting executive director for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), said, "We've identified a better source of funding."

Mr. Boruff said funding to repair the train's washed out track will come from TPWD's operating accounts, which are partially made up of oil and gas revenues. The oil and gas revenues were made available by Rider 27 of the appropriations bill after TPWD had exceeded the expected oil and gas earnings, Mr. Boruff said. He added that the appropriate paperwork should be finalized this week, then the funds will be indirectly transferred to the Texas State Railroad Authority (TSRA), who will oversee repairs. Mr. Boruff said since TSRA has not yet been incorporated, funds will be transferred to the city of Palestine, earmarked for train repairs. The TSRA will still oversee repairs, Mr. Boruff said.

"Repairs may be able to begin prior to Sept. 1," Mr. Boruff said, adding that TPWD will contribute $650,000-$700,000 toward the washout repairs.

On Sept. 1, the Texas State Railroad will be transferred to the TSRA, who will contract operations with American Heritage Railways of Texas.