Casa Grande and Maricopa compete for California Zephyr

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Keeping the California Zephyr, the silver train car that sits in the heart of downtown Maricopa, seems to be a goal that could soon be derailed.

Union Pacific Railroad is planning to erect a new structure east of the current Zephyr location. Although the building date is undetermined according to Ken Buchanan, Assistant Pinal County Manager for Development Services, Union Pacific wants the Zephyr off its current location.

The cost for moving the railroad car would be approximately $100,000. It would involve new tracks and a crane to move the car to either an interim or permanent new location. The railroad car is available to any municipality willing to foot the bill.

“What I know,” Buchanan said, “is that there were discussions with Maricopa and Casa Grande with former Supervisor Jimmie Kerr and present Supervisor David Snider. I recommend Maricopa talking to the Pinal County Manager and Supervisor Snider since I wasn’t in on the original project.”

Pinal County leases right of way land from Union Pacific and owns the California Zephyr.

According to Jacque Schell, office manager of the Maricopa Community Chamber of Commerce, Casa Grande, which has already filed a letter of intent to purchase the car, has a head start in the race with Maricopa. “Casa Grande has a large interest in trains and wants to add it to their collection,” Schell said. “The Zephyr belongs here. It would make a great visitors center and Chamber office.”

Schell is spearheading a “Save Our Train” campaign in Maricopa. She is distributing flyers here and in Thunderbird Farms explaining the plan. She is contacting the Ak Chin Community as well as having Maricopa High School English classes write letters to the three County Supervisors, Lionel D. Ruiz, Sandie Smith and David Snider. An account at the local Bank of America will be opened to accept public “Save Our Train” donations.

The California Zephyr, or west wind from California, was dedicated in Maricopa on October 16, 2001. The Ak Chin Community participated in a blessing ceremony on that day.

“I was there when it was dedicated,” Dave Zaiser, the chamber’s president, said. “The ceremony was as though it was presented to Maricopa, and this is where it should stay.”

The Zephyr has a long and involved history. It has been moved several times back and forth across the country. It has also been revamped. It originated in 1946 and was showcased in the movie Pearl Harbor.

Zaiser indicated that some funds and potential locations for the Zephyr are available, but the public needs to get involved in terms of support and monies. To help preserve this important piece of Maricopa’s heritage, stop by Bank of America and make a donation to the cause and/or send an email of support to [email protected]. All messages will be forwarded to Pinal County to assist in proving the support from Maricopa and its residents.

The California Zephyr belongs in Maricopa. Save our train!

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The California Zephyr is a Maricopa landmark.