Amador County – A required organizational meeting was held Saturday to discuss the management of the new Amador Central Railroad, purchased by two local conservation groups last month for the unprecedented sum of $1.

The historic line was obtained from Sierra Pacific Industries through a joint venture agreement between the Amador County Historical Society (ACHS) and the Recreational Railroad Coalition Historical Society (RRCHS). Thirty three parcels across 11.8 miles of land were included in the deal. The line stretches from Highway 88 in Martell to Ione.

RRCHS President Larry Bowler said that as far as he knows, “this is the first time ever in the history of recreational railroading that a railroad has basically been given to a nonprofit.” He said the meeting had to be held within two weeks as required by the JVA, and was mainly to determine the specifics of the agreement and how the railroad will be operationally managed. He said the groups are working together in what “seems to be a pretty good marriage.”

Bowler said the agreement makes both organizations co-owners. Each group named three persons to a new six-member managing committee which will run operations subject to both boards approval. ACHS President Larry Cenotto will serve as the first committee president, with Bowler expected to take over after Cenotto steps down next year. The president will vote only in the case of a tie.

The meeting was held at Ione City Hall on Saturday.

The new management committee is in the process of electing a Roadmaster and deputy who will supervise operations on the railroad and be responsible for its maintenance, as well as a treasurer to handle all funds, separate from each organization.

Bowler said they are still discussing whether it is necessary or beneficial to create a specific 501(c)(3) for the railroad, or to simply manage the line through the existing status of both organizations.

Bowler said Ione City Manager Kim Kerr expressed a strong interest and “talked with us for over an hour” about what the acquisition of the rail line will mean to her city and the county as a whole. Together, he said, they decided jointly to put on the Ione Rail Fair in May, 2011, although details on that are still being discussed.

Beginning in 1904 and operating for a century, the Amador Central Railroad was the main connection with the Southern Pacific Company at Ione and Martell.

“Overall,” said Bowler, “I’m excited that SPI gave us the historic opportunity to utilize the railroad for local purposes rather than let it rust away into oblivion.” He said he hopes the railroad “will also become used by the general public in terms of rides and educational seminars.”

Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.