Colorado panel starts work on passenger train plan

A commission created by the Colorado Legislature has begun looking into funding to upgrade the route of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and keep the passenger train running through the southeast corner of the state.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports the commission met Wednesday to gather information for a funding request to lawmakers.

The commission is also examining what it would take to alter the train’s route and add a stop in Pueblo. The train currently stops in Lamar, La Junta and Trinidad, Colorado.

Last week, federal officials announced a $12.5 million grant for the most urgently needed repairs on the route, in western Kansas and eastern Colorado. Upgrades are also needed elsewhere in Colorado and in New Mexico.

Amtrak says repairs are needed so trains can maintain 60- to 70-mph speeds.