SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A new state-commissioned report concludes New Mexico would suffer economic losses of about $3 million annually if Amtrak halted passenger service along its current route and shifted it to another rail line.
State officials outlined the study Thursday to a legislative panel looking at whether New Mexico should pay part of the costs of keeping Amtrak’s Southwest Chief on its route through the northeastern part of the state.
Amtrak has proposed that New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas share maintenance costs with it and Burlington Northern Santa Fe, which owns the track.
NM Transportation Secretary Tom Church told lawmakers that Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration hasn’t agreed on any proposal about the Amtrak route.
The study estimated economic losses from fewer visitors to the state if the rail route is changed.
The Hearing on legislative bills ended without a vote on Amtrak funding.
