The Pikes Peak Cog Railway project in Colorado is being assessed for a rebuild to start in August 2018 for a reopening in May 2020, after closing in 2017. The $100 million investment by Oklahoma Publishing Company is seeking tax breaks from the Maintou Springs city to initiate the private investment but the August 2018 work start date and project may be more seriously affected by soaring steel costs.
Gary Pierson, CEO of the publishing company said, “The Trump administration steel tariffs could send costs soaring and even kill the project.” Pierson noted that the rails and railways cars required for the unique project are only available from Switzerland. Additionally, concerns for the backlog in exemption applications may further delay or terminate the project.