In recent media statements (follow the links at the bottom), the West Virginia Department of Commerce indicated it is considering contracting a private entity to assume railroad operations at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The Cass railroad operation has been managed successfully and stably by the State Park System since its inception fifty-one years ago. Trusting any private entity with the priceless, irreplacable railroad operation at the Park would be a tragic mistake. 

The Cass Scenic Railroad is one of the most superb and complete living museums in the world. It is a priceless national treasure; an unparalleled experience of nostalgia, allowing visitors to step into the past, momentarily living in a bygone era that is part of West Virginia’s rich history. During the fifty-one years the Cass Railroad has been managed by the State Park System, it has been established as a legendary, world renowned icon. This has been possible only because of the enduring financial stability provided by the West Virginia State Park System. The railroad operation at Cass could not possibly have survived for so long in its superbly preserved condition if operated by a private entity. No private operator could possibly guarantee the Cass railroad operation the same level of enduring security and stability that the West Virginia State Park System has proven capable of over the past fifty-one years. The facets of the Cass Railroad that make it such an interesting treasure, attracting millions of visitors from around the world over the past half-century, would surely have disappeared long ago if it operated under a privatized management scenario. Under such a scenario, the railroad operation at Cass would likely lose its well established, specialized technical knowledge base as well as the financial wherewithal necessary to keep its unique equipment and infrastructure in well preserved and operational condition. If the State of West Virginia trusts a private entity with the priceless, irreplaceable railroad operation at Cass, and that entity cannot adequately maintain the technical knowledge base and physical infrastructure necessary for the railroad’s survival, it would be next to impossible to ever restore it to its current, superbly maintained condition.

Some historic artifacts are so rare and priceless, carrying such great historic importance, that only public stewardship can provide them with the security necessary to guarantee their preservation—the Smithsonian Institute collection is one example. The railroad operation at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is another. That is why the railroad operation was brought into the West Virginia State Park System fifty-one years ago: to guarantee its preservation, security, and longevity. The benefits this living museum provides to society go far beyond the employment, tourist economy, and livlihood it provides for Pocahontas County, West Virginia, and the Cass railroad operation is far beyond a worthwhile investment of public funding and direct government oversight to guarantee it continues to live and breathe.

Please sign this petition urging the State of West Virginia to not remove the railroad operation at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park from direct management by the State Park System, or allow it to be controlled, managed, or overseen by any private entity. Removing the railroad operation at the Park from the management structure that has kept this priceless, irreplaceable, world renowned living museum remarkably well preserved and in stellar operating condition would be a careless, irresponsible mistake, posing a grievous threat to the longevity of this priceless treasure of West Virginia.

http://wvmetronews.com/2014/04/17/state-not-going-to-sell-cass-railroad-but-looking-at-options/

http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20140415/GZ01/140419518/1101

http://pocahontastimes.com/future-of-cass-railroad-questioned-on-social-media/