 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||
 |
|
||||||||
|
|
Explorer Train Ends 3-Year RunThe final day of the Lewis & Clark Explorer Train was October 3, 2005. On that day, 120 Astoria 3rd graders met the train, brandishing welcome signs to passengers on the last westbound run. It was a sad day for many, including Astorians who were proud to host the train, metro-area folks who appreciated this coastal travel option, and for those who resided near the 90-mile route, who enjoyed its friendly crossing whistle twice-daily, four-days per week during the summer. This excursion train operated the 2003-2005 summer seasons, running between Portland and Astoria, Oregon, providing passengers with a leisurely ride through L&C historic sites, bald eagle sanctuaries, and other points of visual and historic interest. Committed train and concession staff was a vital part of the positive passenger experience. In addition to a host of volunteers and financial contributors, the L&C Explorer Train would not have been possible without the effort of Oregon State Senator Betsy Johnson, who was instrumental in securing state funding for the railcars. Additionally, with the assistance of U.S. Representative David Wu, $2 million in federal funding was appropriated for the rehabilitation of the western 40 miles of the Astoria line, much of which had not received any use for eight years and had fallen into disrepair. It Took a Village to Run a TrainThe L.C. Explorer Train was operated by Portland & Western Railroad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. P&W made a 3-year commitment to operate the train on an ODOT Rail Division contract. Dedicated employees of both P&W and ODOT Rail worked tirelessly to insure the safe and efficient operation of the train, often giving up weekends and evenings to assist with operations or repair and maintenance work. Astoria-end volunteers included greeters who turned out daily to welcome the train and provide area information, (Buckskin Dan was a favorite!) and a bevy of bridge turners who dutifully turned the hand-cranked bridge spans closed to allow safe train passage. Staff resources provided by the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, City of Astoria, and Port of Astoria assisted in many ways, and a dedicated train committee worked through local operations logistics and helped raise funds. A host of other volunteers assisted with wheel chair lift operation, mechanical trouble-shooting, and brochure distribution. A labeling party, coordinated by the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce to correct a visitor guide misprint about the train, attracted over 90 volunteers one evening. In addition to volunteer support, financial support for marketing and local operations was provided by organizations and businesses throughout the region. It took a village ... so thank you to all who contributed to the success of the Lewis & Clark Explorer Train.
|
|
|
|
AstoriaFor a current event calendar in the Astoria area, contact the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce at (800)�875-6807 or go to their web site at www.oldoregon.com Lost and FoundPersonal items left behind on the train will be stored through October 31, 2005. Unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill Industries. For information about items lost on the train, please contact Bob Melbo at ODOT Rail, Monday thru Friday. (503) 986-4137 or [email protected]. Links to Other Sites of Interest
|
|
 |
|
Home | Lapel
Pin |�Calendar/Events | Corps
II | Classroom | Press
Room | Links | About
LCBO | Site
Map |