LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Privatization would hurt TSRR

The Texas State Railroad is a state park which operates steam engine trains between the East Texas towns of Rusk, in Cherokee County and Palestine, in Anderson County.

Last year over 70,000 riders rode the train which has been operated by the state for 31 years.

The future of the Texas State Railroad must really be a political hot potato, because it is difficult to get some politicians to commit to either side.

On one side, the Operating Agency group from Rusk and Palestine is for privatization.

On the other side is our group of Save Texas Parks, who represent those local folks and the people of the state of Texas, and are for continued state funding and operation of the railroad.

Public hearings have been scheduled for Senate Bill 1659 authored by Sen. Robert Nichols and House Bill 3113 authored by Rep. Byron Cook.

Both bills are identical and are related to the transfer of the Texas State Railroad to, and the creation of, the Texas State Railroad Authority.

This would lead to privatization of the Texas State Railroad.

The privatization bills definitely do not represent the interest of the people of Texas; they give away the people's asset of $130 million to an out-of-state company in eight years, along with $12 million now.

The TSRR could be operated by the state, with improvements, for $7.8 million; with after revenue, a net cost of only $3.4 million over two years.

The legislature, our elected officials, does crazy things.

The fees to ride the train will double or triple with the private operator, making it difficult for the common Texan to afford the family recreational experience now furnished by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

There will be no more "kids ride free." It will no longer be a state park.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will not make a static display out of the TSRR; the legislature may, but not the Department.

Executive Director Robert Cook told me last week, the Department loves the Texas State Railroad and wants to operate it as a state park.

And they have asked for the funds the way they ask for all park funds through their Legislative Appropriations Request.

If the TSRR is not funded, it is because our local elected officials do not have enough swing to get the funding done.

But they could have enough swing to give the Railroad away.

It just does not make sense.

My State Representative, Chuck Hopson, does have the legislation to fund the railroad and does support state operation as a first option.

The operation of the Texas State Railroad is critical to our local economy.

It puts close to $20 million into our local system every two years.

With the state, it is a sure thing.

With the out-of-state operator under contract, it is a risk; they have failed before.

The only public hearings for input before this is decided were in Austin.

It is imperative you contact your local elected officials by email, phone, fax or in person to express your opinion.

Your local newspaper will inform you of your elected officials' contact information.

This is the way our democratic system works.

If we do not vote and speak up, then we must accept the results.

Michael D. Banks President, Save Texas Parks

Jacksonville