SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) A coalition in Western Kansas and Southern Colorado has pledged $9 million to keep Amtrak's Southwest Chief on its current route through those areas and Northern New Mexico. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that coalition announced Tuesday that Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, which owns the track along the Southwest Chief route, has said it will commit to contributing $2 million. Meanwhile, Amtrak has pledged $4 million and the Kansas Department of Transportation has committed $3 million.
No such steps have been taken in New Mexico, where a state study is underway to determine the economic benefits, infrastructure needs and costs, and possible constitutional constraints.
The coalition also is pursuing $24.5 million in federal grants.
