2 rail authority members meet in Austin with Speaker Tom Craddick

Disputed operating funds may be made available soon to the Texas State Railroad Authority following a meeting Tuesday in Austin.

Time is running out for the TSR to receive a cash infusion of funds promised at the conclusion of the last session of the Legislature.

Two members of the Texas State Railroad Authority and Operating Agency met at the Capitol with Speaker of the House Tom Craddick just before press deadline Tuesday.

In a telephone interview with the Cherokeean Herald, TSRA chairman Steve Presley said, "We had a productive meeting with Speaker Craddick today."

Mr. Presley was accompanied by TSRA vice-chairman Charles Hassell and attorney Ron Stutes of Tyler.

"They were in total agreement with us that the railroad should be saved. They presented their concerns and view of their legislative intent for this bill.

"We have already begun discussion with American Heritage about this and they are considering it today.

"The speaker's office and lieutenant governor's office will be informed as soon as we can arrive at some agreement with American Heritage Railways. When everyone approves the new agreement the $2 million will be released," explained Mr. Presley.

This sum will be combined with the recently received, budgeted, $2.3 million from TxDOT.

Mr. Presley indicated that a few weeks' delay is expected.

This creates no change in service or agreements given by American Heritage.

"Thomas the Tank was hugely successful and Polar Express Nov. 17 will be enormously successful as well. America Heritage still plans to resume full runs Nov. 17 when all track washout repairs have been completed," said Mr. Presley.

TSRA meets Monday

Monday, prior to the trip to Austin, members of the Texas State Railroad Authority and Operating Agency, met in Palestine to discuss options in response to the Legislative Budget Board's failure to release appropriated funds.

"The Austin meeting was arranged after we called today's meeting, but we can still discuss agenda items," Mr. Presley stated.

"Though we're not voting members of this board, Rusk Mayor Angela Raiborn and I wanted to have this meeting on behalf of our two communities," said Palestine Mayor Carolyn Salter.

A guest at the meeting was State Rep. Byron Cook, who sponsored legislation in the House of Representatives to save the TSR.

Chairman Presley noted that with Speaker Craddick, Rep. Cook, others who have assisted include Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Ag Commissioner Todd Staples, Sen. Robert Nichols, Sen. Steve Ogden, Rep. Warren Chisum, Rep. Leo Berman and Rep. Chuck Hopson.

Required documents were completed and signed Aug. 31 for the Sept. 1 transfer of the TSR to American Heritage. Promised funds have been delayed while an informal opinion was drafted by the Attorney General's office.

TSRA attorney Ron Stutes said he believes that after reviewing and researching the opinion that the outcome of a meeting with Speaker Craddick appears promising.

Rep. Cook said, "I feel you're going to have a successful meeting tomorrow." Present for the Palestine meeting were Chairman Presley, Mr. Hassell, Mr. Stutes, Dan Davis, Dale Brown, Wesley Holloway, Bob Goldsberry, Marie Whitehead, Brian Malone, Mayors Salter and Angela Raiborn and Rep. Cook.