The CDOT Transportation Commission approved $1 million in matching funds on Thursday for a potential new federal grant that could help preserve Amtrak's Southwest Chief line.
KRCC reports that the aging track needs major upgrades or Amtrak will reroute the line out of southern Colorado.
Colorado, led by La Junta, along with Kansas and New Mexico, is applying for a federal transportation grant to help repair the track, but it requires local matching funds. Last year, the project won 12.5 million dollars, but Colorado didn't contribute as a state.
