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WMSR Requests Additional Funds from State Despite Report

September 13th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Management Corporation has sent a request to the Maryland Board of Public Works seeking additional state dollars for maintenance and operation of the tourist train. The letter, dated July 29th and signed by Railroad General Manager John Garner, points out that the train attracted 30,000 riders in 2018- and an increase in funding is going to be necessary to maintain those numbers going forward.  A minimum of $218,000 is being sought for maintenance and operational requirements; and an estimated $32,000 to cut brush along the route.  The request was made just two weeks prior to the release of a scathing performance audit of the railroad- which pointed to numerous serious issues with management, operations and maintenance.  Hopes for success have long been tied to the proposed debut of the 1309 steam engine- which the letter states will be sometime next year. After several missed target dates, Garner tells WCBC News he understands the are plenty of skeptics, but remains confident in the long-term prospects for success…

3 Responses to “WMSR Requests Additional Funds from State Despite Report”

  1. September 13, 2019 at 12:05 pm, kevin said:

    Throw more money into the pit! Yeah, that’s the ticket!

    Reply

  2. September 13, 2019 at 12:36 pm, Joseph Smith said:

    yes stop the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

    Reply

  3. September 13, 2019 at 5:11 pm, mac said:

    The state and the city are so desperate to find some reason for Cumberland’s continued existence that they will blindly fund a horribly failing enterprise. An enterprise that, left to it’s own devices, would have already closed it’s doors.
    How long ago was it that the city of Cumberland vowed to withhold any further money until the railroad could show some fiscal responsibility on it’s own? It must be 6 or possibly 8 years ago.
    This will be our local never-ending story. The state already owns Canal Place so why don’t they just take over ownership of the railroad?

    Reply

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