As I see it there are many things that will help improve the economy of Snoqualmie. It’s no secret that the railway and Snoqualmie Falls are a big part of the growing the tax base. One very important step toward growing the economic base took place last weekend with the Northwest Railway Museum’s ground breaking for its new conservation and restoration center or CRC.

The CRC will allow the museum to begin working on some of its rolling stock and during the process, visitors will be able to see what it takes to restore a piece of history. But more importantly, as pieces are restored and put into service or put on display, the collection will become less of an eyesore and more of a draw for thousands of tourists who want to see a slice of American transportation’s past.

It’s been a long battle to this point for the museum officials, but they have persevered and the outcome will be good for all businesses in the Upper Valley. As visitor traffic increases in historic downtown, the desire to locate here will also grow and with that, facades will improve and the downtown area will have more to offer.

Congratulations to the railway. You hold the business future of Snoqualmie in your hands.