HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/1995, C-14 - DONATION OF A LOCOMOTIVE BY THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY FOR DISPLAY AT RAILROAD SQUARE. I'Iry^�y�l�llllln�l 'ryII IUIII
city MEETING DATE:
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
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FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Donation of a locomotive by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company for display
at Railroad Square.
CAO RECOMIVIEENDATION:
By motion, authorize the Mayor to send a letter expressing the city's support for the donation,
and indicating a willingness to accept other related railroad items that may become available in
the future.
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DISCUSSION:
The Southern Pacific Railroad Company (SP) is in the process'of disposing of a number of older
locomotives that are no longer suitable for regular service. A group of local railroad fans
(railfans) has approached the railroad companywith the goal of obtaining one of the locomotives
for display in the city. Their long range objective is to incorporate the locomotive, and other
equipment that may become available in the future, into an attractive, historic display at one of
the major city gateways. The display, proposed to be located as part of Railroad Square adjacent
to the city owned railroad water tank on the.opposite side of the tracks from the SP depot, would
serve as a reminder of the century long relationship between the city and railroad. The railfans
are offering to undertake regular maintenance of the equipment. Some of the work to install a
display track could be accomplished at the time of construction of the new Amtrack layover
facility. Storage on a local, private railroad spur has been made available for any donated
equipment until the display area is available for use.
SP is willing to make one of these locomotives available at no cost, for the display.
Unfortunately, an imminent takeover of SP by the Union Pacific Railroad Company could
interfere with the donation unless it is concluded in an expeditious manner. Thus, the request
for City support of the donation would help achieve that goal, but must go forward as quickly
as possible to be effective.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None. City funding is not being requested,just support for the concept of the acquisition. Project
proponents are aware that grant funding, such as the Transportation Enhancement Act funds that
have been provided for restoration of the City owned railroad water tank, could be requested for
this current project. Thus they may request City sponsorship of grant applications from this
source for restoration and development funding.
city of san h,.�.oB1spo
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
ALTERNATIVES:
The Council could choose to not support the locomotive acquisition, and thus choose to not
support the creation of the historical display. Given the significant place of the railroad in the
history of the city, the extensive interest in the railroad on the part of current city residents, the
continuing depletion of artifacts related to this important part of our history, and missed past
opportunities to protect even earlier examples of rolling stock and structures, this alternative is
not recommended.
Attachment: Draft letter
Sketch location map
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990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100
September 20, 1995
Dan Krieger, President
San Luis Obispo County Historical Society
696 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Dan:
I understand that the Southern Pacific Railroad Company (SP)is considering donation of a diesel
locomotive for historic display in San Luis Obispo. The City Council enthusiasticly supports
acquisition of the locomotive, and other railroad rolling stock, wayside structures or artifacts that
may be made available for preservation and display in our city.
San Luis Obispo has over a century of service as a "railroad town". Although the railroad
presence has declined greatly over the past several decades, there continues to be a great deal
of interest in the SP and its operations among a sizeable cross section of our citizens. In
response to that interest the City is committed to revitalization of our Railroad Square area as
an important entry to the community. The opportunity to display historic.railroad artifacts as part
of that effort is an exciting prospect for us. It is especially timely given the impending extension
of daily Amtrack San Diegain service to San Luis Obispo in October of this year.
Please convey our support to the Southern Pacific Company, and other involved parties as
necessary, to facilitate acquisition and display of the locomotive.
Sincerely,
Allen Settle, Mayor
OThe City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including the disabled in all of its services,programs and activities.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781-7410.
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