State and local tourism officials say a threatened shutdown of Amtrak would hurt West Virginia because the company brings in tourists and provides much-needed commuter service.
Jack Damioli is general manager of The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs. He says he's very concerned. Amtrak's Cardinal, which stops in White Sulphur Springs, is not the primary transportation for the posh resort's guests. But Damioli says it's still a viable means of travel for many. In Jefferson County, many residents board Amtrak's Capitol Limited every day to commute to work in Washington, D.C.
Amtrak officials have threatened to shut down the railroad Wednesday if it does not receive funding. The railroad service is facing a $200 million deficit.
Betty Carver is deputy commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Tourism. She says Amtrak service is an asset to the state, especially the Cardinal's passage through the scenic New River Gorge area.
