Only downside I see to that great GoFundMe going on is watching all that money just sit there when it may be years before they are in a position to use it for its intended purpose.

I've been following closely and if it's the same comments I saw, they said it might not hurt to reach out to various class 1 railroads in search of donations or support or whatever kind. Not that BNSF should just send it on over. As far as that goes, what's the harm in asking? They're separated from a class 1 by at least one shortline, so it's not like asking the guy next door to do your yard work. They'd likely get told no or no response, but there's a chance they might get something. BNSF has used Southern Pacific 4449 for Employee Appreciation trips and their IMAX film. Union Pacific has donated or contributed to heritage efforts they had no stake in. Some might think your comment about how it's silly to ask a corporation with a large regional presence is as silly as you thinking a nonprofit asking whatever corporate entity with a large regional presence for assistance is silly.

A video message from

Western Forest Industries Museum
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkfIVpZZPtk

Considering that this part of the line was about to be reopened it makes you wonder if somebody didn't want a train going through their backyard.

Some of it will be used immediately:



All of that work takes time and costs money. Unexpected costs that will now need to be budgeted for. Donations will help get things moving for the next steps, whatever that may look like. It won't be enough to pay for the new bridge, but it might be enough to fund grant writing that will help pay for the new bridge.