Well it is an easy decision for me; how about you? $200,000 is up for grabs.

In short, you can help get funding for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which I believe is ultimately in the best interests of railroad preservation.

The American Express members project is underway for this year and as before the public gets to vote on who us funded. Somehow the Rails to Trails Conservancy has got themselves listed as "Arts and Culture" and they are leading the votes in that category (as of 19 March) with 38%. Close behind at 31% is the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who is a partner in the Save America's Treasures initiative and is the leading lobby group for historic preservation in this country. Many of you may not be aware that the success of the National Trust has a direct impact on the success of railroad preservation, especially involving structures such as train stations. Several Save America's Treasures projects have involved locomotives, train stations, and now a Chapel Car.

Please consider participating. You can sign up here: Members project gateway You just need to register a user name the first time you vote.

You can vote once a week until May 23.

--Richard