Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Whereas the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) was initially constructed in 1880 as part of the narrow gauge Denver and Rio Grande Railroad’s San Juan Extension;

Whereas the San Juan Extension provided a critical freight and passenger transportation link in the Southwest until the line was abandoned in 1969;

Whereas in 1970, the States of New Mexico and Colorado jointly purchased the track between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, along with locomotives, cars and facilities and renamed it the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad in an effort to preserve the history of the railroad and maintain access along the scenic corridor;

Whereas the C&TSRR is recognized as both a national historic site and a historic civil engineering landmark;

Whereas the C&TSRR traverses the highest railroad pass in the country at 10,015 feet and is the highest and longest surviving narrow gauge railroad in the United States;

Whereas the C&TSRR uses steam locomotives dating back to the 1920s, including the Mudhen, once owned by Gene Autry;

Whereas preservation of railroads like the C&TSRR is critical to preserving the history of the American interest in expanding our Nation’s railroad system;

Whereas the C&TSRR continues to serve a critical role for the region through attracting tourists and industry including serving as a backdrop for over 10 movies including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade; and

Whereas the C&TSRR Commission will be celebrating 40 years of railroad co-ownership by New Mexico and Colorado this year: Now, therefore, be it