Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission  Mission StatementThe Commission’s mission is to preserve and develop the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a historical 19th Century railroad “Museum on Wheels,” for the education, enlightenment and enjoyment of future generations. Goals & ObjectivesThe goal of the Commission is to develop the operation of the C&TSRR into a positive business; providing good employment opportunities for the citizens of the areas around Antonito and Chama; and promoting tourist related businesses in the communities helping them thrive and prosper. HistoryThe States of New Mexico and Colorado joined together and purchased the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in 1970. In 1977, the bi-state agency, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, was created to act on behalf of the two states in overseeing the operation of the C&TSRR. The Commission is composed of four members, two from each state, appointed by their respective state Governor. The Commission sets the policies for the management of the C&TSRR. The Commission has contracted with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Management, Corp. to handle the daily operation of the Railroad and be the project manager on Capital Improvement Projects. Past ProjectsThe Commission is continuing a Track upgrade Project, involving the replacement of nearly 30,000 ties to date; purchase and installation of 46,000 tons of rock ballast; surfacing and aligning 59 miles of track. As a result of the work done thus far, numerous slow orders have been removed and the operating speeds of the trains increased, providing a smoother ride for the patrons onboard the train. Steam Engine 489 was restored to service after a major renovation over the winters of 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. The project brought Locomotive 489 into compliance with the Federal Railroad Administration rules and regulations for steam locomotives. The addition of the fourth steam locomotive has added flexibility to the schedule of regular trains, providing the opportunity to operate special trains and to double head larger trains from Chama to Cumbres. Improvements have been made to the Ash Pit and Engine House in Chama, improving their efficiency and ease of operation. Future ProjectsThe Commission is seeking funds to continue the Track Upgrade Project to provide for the purchase and installation of additional ties and rock ballast along with work on the bridges and construction of retaining walls. These infrastructure improvements are needed to upgrade the condition of the track and provide for long term reliability of this key component of the C&TSRR. The Commission is in the process of having an addition constructed on the east side of the Car Shop in Antonito. The addition will provide open work space, restrooms, storage space and free up space inside the existing Car Shop. The Friends and the Commission are beginning the major work to restore Locomotive 463 to service. The two entities are also working towards the construction of a Railroad Visitor Center/Museum. This facility will allow the C&TSRR to more effectively display the history of the19th Century narrow gauge Railroad and the C&TSRR.
STAFF BIOGRAPHIES
LEO SCHMITZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Leo Schmitz, his wife Maria, and their son Christopher, are residents of Antonito, Colorado. In December 2005, Leo Schmitz was re-hired as the Executive Director; leaving a convenience store chain and oil and fuel distribution company, where he was Chief Financial Officer.Leo was first hired by the C&TS RR Commission in March of 1977 to be their accountant. In 1981, he was promoted to Executive Director, in which capacity he served until 2001. As Executive Director, Leo has been involved in obtaining funding and grants for several capital projects and managing them from the ground floor to completion. Some of the projects Leo found monies for were the Osier Dining Facility’ the restoration of the 463; several track projects; the rebuilding of Mud Tunnel; and many other projects. Also, Leo, Spencer Wilson, Dan Ranger and Bill Lock were the four collaborators who were instrumental in the formation of the Friends’ organization.
STEPHANIE GRAY, ADMINSTRATIVE ASSISTANT Stephanie is often the first voice people hear or face people meet when working with the C&TS RR Commission. Her duties include many of those things that keep an organization afloat - like the banking and bill paying. She keeps on top of all the paperwork that comes with the day to day operations of the railroad. She keeps an upbeat and encouraging attitude in everything she does. Her organizational skills are a huge asset to the Commission the management company and the Friends! What Stephanie enjoys most about working for the Commission is meeting and greeting the visitors that come to ride the longest & highest scenic railroad in North America. "It's great! I get to meet people from all over the world!"
DAN LOVE, COMMISSIONER FROM COLORADO. Bio and Picture will be added when available
PETER FOSTER, COMMISSIONER COLORADO. Peter Foster was appointed a commissioner in 2006. Pete is from Grand Junction, Colorado. He is married to Nancy Foster and has two children, Liam and Nathan. Peter Foster is a Vice President of Wright Water Engineers, Inc (WWE) and Manager of WWE’s Durango office. He is a Senior Project Engineer licensed in the states of Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Pete specializes in water resources, including water rights, for municipalities, special districts, and private industry. This work includes design and construction of water and wastewater facilities, storm drainage facilities and water supply feasibility studies. Another area of expertise is environmental permitting, including Aquifer Protection Permits, NPDES Permits, permits for construction of water and wastewater facilities, air permits, and air inventories. Pete has a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The Colorado College. He currently serves two gubernatorial appointments: 1) Southern Ute – State of Colorado Air Quality Control Commission and 2) the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission.
BILLY ELBROCK, COMMISSIONER FROM NEW MEXICO Bio will be added when available
RANDY RANDALL, COMMISSIONER NEW MEXICO. Randy is a retired executive in the tourism and hospitality field. From 1994 to 2004 he was general manager of Eldorado Hotel, a four-star hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Richfield Hospitality Management based in Denver, Colorado; Director of Operations for Palmas Del Mar Resort in Humaco, Puerto Rico; manager of the Hilton Head Inn; and a variety of other management positions at the Sea Press Resort in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Within the tourism industry Randy serves on the boards of directors of the American Hotel and Motel Association, the AHMA Resort Committee, the New Mexico Lodging Association, the New Mexico Restaurant Association, and the advisory board for the Hospitality and Tourism Department at New Mexico State University. He was appointed to the New Mexico Tourism Commission in 1996 by Governor Gary Johnson, and continues to serve on this commission under Governor Bill Richardson. Randy is also active in community affairs, currently serving on the boards of the Santa Fe Opera, the Santa Fe Fiesta Foundation, and the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta. Randy is a 1968 graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. He lives with his wife Suegy in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was appointed a commissioner in 2006.
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