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Caporale Comments on WMSR Problems After Audit

August 14th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

The performance audit of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad revealed glaring and widespread problems with nearly every aspect of the operation and management. As reported last week by WCBC Radio, the audit, conducted by Pennsylvania based Stone Consulting, found any number of serious issues that could lead to the tourist train’s shutting down if not addressed in the near future. On Tuesday,  Allegany County Government issued a statement regarding the audit calling the report “sobering”- and indicating that  detailed responses will be sought from the railroad’s management team to begin to deal with the problem areas outlined in the report. The statement does include a commitment to continue to work in cooperation with the railroad management team in an attempt o return the WMSR to the status of a major national and regional attraction. County Commissioner David Caporale tells WCBC  News that the long awaited restoration of the 1309 steam engine would go a long way toward stabilizing the overall operation…

2 Responses to “Caporale Comments on WMSR Problems After Audit”

  1. August 15, 2019 at 11:17 am, mac said:

    The WMSR is run, these days, as a low rent,rather forgettable, operation. Their website doesn’t even show a steam locomotive anymore as that would be false advertising. The consultant audit stated that the average coach rider has a nondescript car without a view and nothing to do when they finally arrive in Frostburg.
    That sure sounds like the local, so called, “zoo” that’s been in trouble for poor living conditions for the animals.
    Imagine what it must be like for a family that drives into town to see these things.
    The Mountainside Maryland website is effusive in it’s praise but once people get here they find what we all know to be true, a poorly run, poorly maintained, and shoddy time for all.
    The pedestrian mall is just that, a place to walk as there is nothing to see or do.
    Canal Place has a preschool on the grounds, is that tourist friendly?
    Footer Dye works has an insurance office. How many people drive into Cumberland to compare rates on auto insurance?
    At one time, years ago, there were small gift shops and antique stores and crafts people on the mall but they have all closed as there is a lack of decent jobs in the area that would keep them selling their wares when the tourists all leave.
    For a community staking it’s future on tourism it doesn’t seem to be trying very hard to accomplish anything.
    Redesign of the mall, possibly 3 years away. the new riverpark, as of now, pie in the sky. Running old 1309 on the RR, right! Don’t forget the boutique hotel, or maybe it would be just as well if we did.

    Reply

    • August 15, 2019 at 12:40 pm, Don said:

      > You are correct on everything you have said.Somebody needs to wake up or we will be a ghost town for anybody stopping by.

      Reply

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