February 11th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Although Allegany County officials have demanded a financial audit- and railroad ties between Cumberland and Frostburg need to be replaced- Delegate Mike McKay says he remains cautiously optimistic that there will be a 2021 season for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. McKay, who recently joined the WMSR board, is also part of a newly created executive financial committee to oversee fiscal matters related to train operations. Essentially closed during the Coronavirus pandemic- railroad officials have long viewed the debut of steam engine 1309, Mountain Thunder, as holding the key to a successful reboot and a spike in ridership. But to date- it is not yet ready to roll. With the operation having struggled for several years trying to obtain financial stability- Mckay, on WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show” Wednesday, was asked if he has confidence in railroad superintendent John Garner to turn things around…
When asked if a July Fourth open is a realistic target, Mckay said while he is hopeful, he isn’t making any commitments at this point…