RUSK — American Heritage Railways took over at the Texas State Railroad in 2007.
Chief operating officer Jeffrey Jackson tells KETK, the national treasure was losing millions at the time and they helped it.
But Jackson says it's hard when the railroad's not very busy in the summer like other historic railroads across the country.
So they are hoping Iowa Pacific Holdings will buy their interest -- and they say it has nothing to do with the recent oil spill at the Rusk Depot.
"The fact that the oil spill had occurred March 1 was purely coincidence. We were already in discussions and negotiations with Iowa Pacific," Jackson said.
Jackson says there is a 3 mile section of track not being used that Iowa Pacific hopes to add freight to.
"The first order of business for Iowa Pacific will be to repair that track, formally connect the Texas State Railroad back to the Union Pacific main line," Jackson said.
He says the plan is to just build on what they've accomplished with the railroad -- and the passenger service isn't going anyhwere.
So he says East Texans need not worry.
"They won't see any difference. And hopefully some improvements from the economic development of the area if Iowa Pacific's plans come to fruition," Jackson said.