Commissioners for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad asked the Joint Budget Committee to continue a $1.3 million appropriation that covers commission insurance, audit and capital needs and a capital investment line for rolling stock and track work required by the Federal Railroad Administration.

Scott Gibbs, Colorado commissioner for the bi‑state commission, said the appropriation supports insurance (which has risen sharply), audits and capital grants that pay down costs for locomotive, track and passenger‑car improvements needed to meet federal safety and inspection rules. Commissioners said repair and upgrade costs have jumped—track materials cost increases cited in the hearing included very large percentage rises—and that the program leverages federal and private investment.

Mayor‑former mayor Aaron Abeyta of Antonito described the railroad as an economic “keystone” for the San Luis Valley community, supporting employment and tourism that in turn sustains restaurants, lodging and other local businesses. Railroad CFO Alicia Martinez and General Manager Ed Bodette described workforce and recruitment details; the railroad now supports roughly 47 full‑time jobs in Antonito, up from 36 four years earlier, and the commissioners said recent ridership and revenues rebounded after the COVID and 2020–2022 wildfire impacts.

Commissioners provided a 2022 economic impact estimate of about $17.8 million to the five‑county region and said inflation likely pushes that closer to $19 million today; they said they will update the study on a five‑year cycle. Commissioners told the JBC they plan to issue another RFP for remaining startup loan or capital program money they have and to continue work on equipment and track projects that are safety‑driven by federal regulation.

Ending: The commission asked the committee to continue the $1.3 million funding to protect safety, jobs and regional tourism and noted the railroad’s role in supporting a small, economically vulnerable community.