(November 27, 2006)--Supporters of the Texas State Railroad are seeking emergency state funding to keep the East Texas tourist train rolling.

As things now stand, the Texas State Railroad State Park train between Rusk and Palestine will close at the end of the year.

The last run is set for Dec. 30.

A task force is lobbying the state for $650,000 to keep the steam train running until the Legislature can vote on long-term operating funds.

If the Legislature won't fund long-term operations, the task force hopes to turn running the train over to a private company.

The railroad was first opened in the 1880s.

In 1976, railroad enthusiasts convinced the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to preserve the line as a tourist train.

However, the train has been losing money to the tune of about $1 milliona year and officials say $40 million is needed over the next decade for the care of antique engines, cars and track.

Aides for Gov. Rick Perry and House Speaker Tom Craddick say they don't know if or when the state will consider emergency funding.

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