Folsom groups back tourist train as historic link

Groups active in the redevelopment plans for Folsom's "railroad block" have expressed support for a tourist train, despite concerns that it may be a money-losing venture.

The opinion came Monday at a city-sponsored workshop where nearly 45 residents, business people and other stakeholders reviewed preliminary plans for the 6.7-acre parcel in the heart of Folsom's Historic District.

The railroad block parcel, bordered by Sutter, Wool, Leidesdorff and Reading streets, was home to the first railroad line built west of the Rocky Mountains.

But its future is yet to be determined. Last May, city officials scrapped area redevelopment plans that had been two years in the making.

The proposed excursion train would run between the city's Historic District and Folsom's Broadstone development, would cost about $3.5 million to construct and about $30,000 annually for operation and maintenance, said John Poimiroo, a tourism consultant.

While the train would reflect the area's railroad history, construction and operating costs and the flagging tourism train industry would pose a financial risk, he said.

"It's not exactly a positive point for tourism rail today," Poimiroo said in a presentation to the group. "It's a difficult business."

Community members want to preserve Folsom's railroad history, said Dan McNeil, president of the Sutter Street Merchants Association.

"We keep seeming to want to move our history in this town," McNeil said.

If the train is built, tickets might average $12 each, but success is not guaranteed, Poimiroo said.

"Feasibility is very slim for it to be successful," he said.

Still, it is a risk many community members are willing to take to memorialize Folsom's ties to the railroad era, said Loretta Hettinger, vice president of the Folsom Heritage Preservation League.

"Some things you just can't put a price tag on," Hettinger said Tuesday. "I think this is one that we need to be willing to spend some money on to get it done right."

The development of the railroad block could revitalize the entire Historic District, said Jeff Ferreira-Pro, the district chairman.

"The economics of the railroad block are important, but if it's a self-contained project you miss the larger point - that it's the anchor for a regional draw for this area," Ferreira-Pro said. "People come to Folsom because of the Historic District."

Train enthusiasts are eager to take advantage of the remnants of Folsom's railroad days, said Bill Anderson, president of the Folsom, El Dorado and Sacramento Historical Railroad Association.

"The turntable is actually usable," Anderson said, referring to old railroad equipment near the Folsom Chamber of Commerce office. "We could have visiting cars or locomotives brought in for special occasions. We wouldn't like the turntable turned into a rose garden or something."

Although some community members suggested a gravel path following the rail yard's original track, Anderson said he hopes the historic turntable will be used for its intended purpose.

The year 2006 "will be the 150th birthday of the first railroad in the West," Anderson said. "It's the railroad block, and I would like to see the track be on the block to the turntable."

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