Amador Central RR and Preserving History

[wallyworld]

The local paper in Amador County bemoans the state of preservation of it's local history as well as what is left of The Amador Central RR. When I read this, it stuck me how short sighted this is but then again with the economy as it is, it makes you wonder what will be left for preservation in general by the end of the year.

One wonders if the economy worsens, will this have an impact and those that can now afford to volunteer? A sobering prospect. Once an opportunity is lost theres no second act. At the same time who is going to argue either personal or tax money be shifted from essential services to preservation.?

"Much of this has been about money. Old buildings weren't designed for modern functions - compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act can prove expensive. The absence of major industrial companies in the upper elevations of the county makes commercial rail service financially impractical, so there's no one willing to pay to keep it available. Museums and archives are proven financial drains.."

http://www.ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=253740&topStory=1

 On the other hand, here is a one man preservation effort.

http://www.projo.com/projocars/content/CA-TROLLEY_02-14-09_KRD8UDQ_v22.29ad646.html