Borrowed from Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum:

>>MEDIA RELEASE

For more information contact:
Jeffrey Jackson, Sr. V.P. American Heritage Railways – (305) 336-8400
Paul Schranck, V.P. General Manager – D&SNGRR (970) 259-0274
479 Main Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
www.durangotrain.com

American Heritage Railways selected as New Operator for Texas State Railroad

Durango, CO—American Heritage Railways, owner of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, CO and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City, NC has been selected by the Texas State Railroad Operating Agency as the new operator and manager for the Texas State Railroad, effective September 1, 2007, and pending contract negotiations. Contracts are expected to be finalized by March 15 and then presented for State approval.

The Texas State Railroad is a well-established excursion railroad and campground operation located between Palestine and Rusk, TX, roughly halfway between Dallas and Houston in eastern Texas.

The railroad is currently owned by the state of Texas and operated under the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. “The privatization of the railroad will allow the railroad’s revenues to be used to help fund additional railroad-related events and activities which will create a self-sustaining and economically viable partner in the local and regional communities,” said Jeffrey Jackson, Sr. V.P. of American Heritage Railways.

Allen Harper, President of American Heritage Railways said, “We know the Texas State Railroad is a historic treasure and through our efforts to run the railroad as a business and invest in its historic preservation, we can protect this ‘Texas Treasure’ for future generations to enjoy.”

American Heritage Railways has a successful track record in running scenic tourist railroads as well as special rail-related events as run through their subsidiary, Rail Events, Inc. They are committed to excellent customer service, retain a record of safe operations, excellent track and equipment maintenance, historic preservation, community partnering and the incorporation of special events in addition to year-round scenic excursions.

Paul Schranck, V.P and General Manager of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will take an on-site position to manage this operations transition.

For more information on the current excursion schedule, log onto www.texasstaterailroad.com or call 1-800-442-8951. <<

AHR has pockets with some depth, and is an entertainment marketing powerhouse. If anybody can make TSRR economically sound, they can. Best wishes to everybody concerned.

dave