Thursday morning rail news in brief:
Group tells STB of opposition to Uinta Basion rail project
An environmental group has filed its objection to Utah’s proposed Uinta Basin Railway with the Surface Transportation Board. The letter from Chicago attorney Thomas McFarland, representing the Argyle Wilderness Preservation Alliance, asks that the STB provide at least 45 days to file statements of opposition and other comments to the filing by the group planning to build the railroad, the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. [See “Utah railroad project seeks clearance to start construction in 2021,” Trains News Wire, June 1, 2020.] The letter says the alliance is “a group of private property owners in an off-grid community in Argyle Canyon, Utah,” which intends to “strenuously oppose” the filing seeking to build the railroad. “Adequate time is required to prepare a reply in opposition to the lengthy and controversial Petition for exemption,” the letter states.
Former Carson & Colorado depot destroyed by fire
A former Carson & Colorado depot in Dayton, Nev., is a total loss after a fire Wednesday afternoon, KTVN-TV reports. Firefighters from Central Lyon County Fire, Carson City Fire, and Storey County fire responded to the blaze, reported about 3:30 p.m.; the station fire started several other fires, one of which damaged a nearby home. The station, built in 1881, was the focus of a volunteer restoration project to return it to its original appearance. It was the first depot on the Carson & Colorado, according to a Dayton history website. It had been moved to its current location 16 years ago, according to the Carson Now website.
Rocky Mountaineer scrubs plans to operate in August
The Rocky Mountaineer has again pushed back the start of its season, postponing all scheduled trips through the end of August. The luxury rail tour company, which offers multi-day trips from Vancouver, British Columbia, had suspended operations through the end of July. (An article in the August issue of Trains Magazine reports on the company’s plans to begin operations in August.) Those holding reservations during the period of the suspension will receive a 110% credit for trips rescheduled later this year, in 2021, or in 2022. The company also says it will hold prices at 2020 levels through that period. For more information, visit the Rocky Mountaineer website.
