The Texas State Railroad (TSRR) has been operated by the State of Texas for thirty years. The TSRR is one of the nation's largest and most unique steam train operations. It is truly a historical treasure. The TSRR is one of the only steam railroads in the United States that often runs two steam trains simultaneously.

I believe that the TSRR should be given proper funding and operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The problems of TSRR are not due to lack of proper management, but instead a lack of proper funding. Ridership on the TSRR actually goes up each year. Operating this type of historical moving park comes at a greater expense, but the loss of it would be a tragedy.

I recommend raising or removing the cap on the sporting goods tax and using that tax money as it was intended to restore all State Parks. It should also be noted that revenue from the TSRR Giftshop and from film making utilizing the trains currently goes into the General Fund rather than to the TSRR. Obviously, this income should be returned to the TSRR. The TSRR should have no problems with funding if these changes were made.

Texas Parks are an integral part of every Texans' youth and provides a venue for visitors to enjoy and learn about our state. When Texas stops taking care of our State Parks we have left behind a part of our history. We must preserve our heritage for future generations for it is history that makes Texas unique.