North Judson Preparing for Railroad Lease

HVRM Tourist Train
HVRM Tourist Train

The Town of North Judson is looking to move ahead with efforts to lease its railroad. The town council will meet in special session this evening to decide whether to proceed with publishing a request for proposals.

The town’s agreement with the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad, line’s current operator, was set to expire last December. Since then, North Judson officials have been working to find a company to lease the railroad.

However, Town Attorney Rachel Arndt has said the RFP process has been delayed by issues out of the town’s control. In the meantime, the town’s been adding short-term extensions to its agreement with the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad, but the terms of these extensions have all but eliminated the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s ability to run excursions beyond English Lake. Town officials have expressed hope that any future lease agreement will allow the museum to resume its excursions all the way to LaCrosse.

The most recent extension gives the town until August 15 to find a firm to lease the railroad. The town has already had five firms express interest in the line.

Tonight’s meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. at North Judson Town Hall.