Chama excited to have train back to full steam soon

May 28, 2011

chama, a community--dependant on tourism-- felt a financial blow when railroad tracks burned down last june in their town. liz lastra visited chama to talk to some business owners who say--despite some setbacks-- they are more than ready for opening day tomorrow. barbara hogan and her husband have owned the hotel and gift shop in chama for fifteen years. "the economy here is the railroad" last june part of the railroad tracks--the lobato trestle---burned down causing an estimated two million dollars in damages. hogan says local businesses were hit hard. "for the most part i would say everyone here in chama just relies on the railroad" randy payment is a contractor hired by the railroad and says his crews have been working extra hours to repair the lobato trestle. "basically we're trying to get it open as soon as we can" "though the trestle won't be ready for opening day tomorrow...officials are still expecting a huge turnout and for seats in trains similar to this one to be completely filled. when people get to chama they'll be bussed up the road 14 miles where they'll begin their train ride" "sure they miss the first part but they didn't miss the whole thing and it's all worth while" hogan says many businesses are excited for the season to start. "there's no doubt that we're going to have a much better season than last year" in chama...liz lastra kob eyewitness news four.. railroad officials say crews will take a break for memorial day weekend and get right back to work on tuesday. they hope to have the trestle completed in about two weeks