Denver, CO – Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet applauded the Colorado Transportation Commission’s approval of a $1.5 million grant to reinstate passenger rail service from Denver to Winter Park Resort. Earlier this week, Bennet sent a letter to the Commission in support of Winter Park Resort’s request, which will allow them to build a boarding platform and install rail improvements requested by Union Pacific. The completion of these improvements will allow negotiations to continue between the resort, Union Pacific, and Amtrak to re-launch service in 2017. The grant was unanimously approved.
In a letter to the Colorado Transportation Commission, Bennet wrote, “This rail service not only holds important historical significance to the state of Colorado, but it also provides an important transportation alternative for residents and visitors alike.
“This project has significant long-term benefits for our state and local communities, and contributes greatly to regional passenger rail service and economic growth.”
The Winter Park Ski Train brought passengers 56 miles from Denver’s Union Station to Winter Park Resort from 1940 until 2009. There have been collaborative efforts to reinstate the train and last year, a sold-out special trip was completed in honor of Winter Park’s 75th anniversary.
The Colorado Transportation Commission is comprised of 11 commissioners representing separate districts and is charged with developing general policy for transportation management, construction, and maintenance.
Full text of the letter below:
April 20, 2016
Colorado Transportation Commission
Colorado Department of Transportation
4201 E. Arkansas Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80222
Dear Commissioners:
I write to express my strong support for Winter Park Resort’s request for the $1.5 million grant to reinstate the passenger rail service from Denver to Winter Park Resort. This rail service not only holds important historical significance to the state of Colorado, but it also provides an important transportation alternative for residents and visitors alike.
This grant would provide Winter Park Resort with the resources to make required improvements requested by the Union Pacific Railroad (UP). Once these improvements are complete, Amtrak will work with UP and Winter Park Resort to re-launch service in 2017.
From 1940 to 2009, the Ski Train ran every season from Denver’s Union Station to Winter Park Resort. With the opening of the new University of Colorado A Line from Denver International Airport to Union Station, the Ski Train would provide a continuous and car-free connection from the airport to the mountains. In addition to convenience for travelers, the Ski Train would also alleviate Interstate 70 traffic during peak travel times.
Restoration of the Ski Train could set the standard for transportation infrastructure in cities across the nation. This project has significant long-term benefits for our state and local communities, and contributes greatly to regional passenger rail service and economic growth.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,