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Western Maryland Railway Historical Society
P.O. Box 395
Union Bridge, MD 21791
Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
State House
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1925
Dear Governor Ehrlich
I am writing in regard to the impending closing of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland, Maryland, at the end of the 2005 season.
In our opinion, it would be a mistake to allow such an historical attraction to disappear from Allegany County. The WMSR is one of the last mountain railroading experiences east of the Mississippi River, and considered by many nationwide to be the best of that group, that offers the visitor a unique view of what mountain railroading was like in the days of steam railroading. It has thrilled many thousands of people and has pumped a large amount of revenue into the area. The loss of this train would be a major historical setback and also a hardship to local residents that depend on the train and the tourism industry. While we understand the desire to have the hiking/biking trail completed, we believe that the railroad and the trail can co-exist and we urge you to find some middle ground where the WMSR can be kept in operation in its entirety between Cumberland and Frostburg and the trail can be completed, also.
The Western Maryland Railway Historical Society has held our annual convention in Cumberland on at least four different occasions beginning in 1989. Our attendees, numbering between 150 and 200 on each occasion, have spent money on lodging, generally 3 nights at local motels, meals for at least two days and some dollars were spent on buying souvenirs, plus money spent on riding the WMSR. This equates to quite a bit of revenue for the area from organizations like ours and others including families who visit for the same purpose. The WMRHS and its members as an organization fully support the WMSR and ask your support for this treasured attraction.
Sincerely yours,
Dennis E. Wertz, WMRHS President
The above letter from President Wertz is an example of the type of action needed by concerned citizens and railfans everywhere. If you are unfamiliar with the plight of the Western Maryland Scenic, in essence the problem is this - The WMSR is self funded to the extent that they can afford to run their trains, pay there employees, and operate the railroad. However, the state owns and maintains the track the trains run on. The state intends to eliminate the funding of the line. Without badly needed monies for track maintenance, the railroad will not be able to operate safely over the line between Cumberland and Frostburg, the entire length of the line. This situation seems to be constantly evolving. There are other issues which seem to coincide with this declaration, which revolve around the expansion of the Allegheny trail being built along side the rails. Recently, a historic B&O Caboose and passenger car at the depot in Frostburg were destroyed by contractors engaged in building the trail. Anyone who has ridden the WMSR knows these cars, as they have been used over the years for various purposes, including a video arcade. There were no known efforts to preserve or otherwise facilitate the removal of these railcars, and the destruction was done almost as if in secret. The overall situation seems to be one of deception and confusion, giving rise to the consensus that the demise of the railroad is intentional and deliberate, backed by those pushing for the trail to go through. It is essential that we do not stand by and quietly watch this unique and important mountain railroad experience succumb to the will of those with no desire for preservation of the past, or renewal of the present. As a WM fan, it is your duty to write to the individuals listed below, and express your displeasure, concern and opinions relating to this historic turn of events. The future of railroading, tourism and commerce in Cumberland are at stake, as well as the right as Americans living in democracy to be served by our government, created by the people, FOR the people and to that end we must persevere.
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., Governor
State House
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1925
ROBERT L. FLANAGAN, Secretary of Transportation
Office of Secretary
Dept. of Transportation
7201 Corporate Center Drive
P. O. Box 548
Hanover, MD 21076
LeROY E. MYERS, JR.
Republican, District 1C
Lowe House Office Building, Room 320
84 College Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
(410) 841-3435, (301) 858-3435
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3435 (toll free)
fax: (410) 841-3040, (301) 858-3040
111 South George St.
Cumberland, MD 21502
KEVIN KELLY
Democrat, District 1B
Lowe House Office Building, Room 320
84 College Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
(410) 841-3404, (301) 858-3404
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3404 (toll free)
fax: (410) 841-3484, (301) 858-3484
201 Washington St.
Cumberland, MD 21502-2826
GEORGE C. EDWARDS
Republican, District 1A
Lowe House Office Building, Room 320
84 College Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
(410) 841-3435, (301) 858-3435
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3435 (toll free)
fax: (410) 841-3040, (301) 858-3040
P. O. Box 658
23 North Pennsylvania Ave.
Grantsville, MD 21536-0658
RICHARD KERNS, editorial page editor
Cumberland Times-News
P.O. Box 1662, 19 Baltimore St.
Cumberland, MD 21501-1662
ROSCOE G. BARTLETT (Republican), U.S. Representative, 6th Congressional District
2412 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
1 Frederick St.
Cumberland, MD 21502
BARBARA A. MIKULSKI (Democrat), U.S. Senator from Maryland
709 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510 – 2003
Brown's Wharf
1629 Thames St., Suite 400
Baltimore, MD 21231
JOHN J. HAFER
Republican, District 1
James Senate Office Building, Room 323
110 College Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401 - 1991
P. O. Box 116
58 Frost Ave.
Frostburg, MD 21532-0116
ALLEGANY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
JAMES J. STAKEM (D), President
County Office Building, Suite 405
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502-3401
ROBERT M. HUTCHESON (R), Commissioner
County Office Building, Suite 405
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502-3401
BARBARA BOYD ROGUE (D), Commissioner
County Office Building, Suite 405
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502-3401
Write TODAY!
and sign the online petition.
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