Ward 2 councilmember Tom Kovach said one advantage to ODOT would be that if they were to slightly move the Crosstown to save the rail yard, it would nullify a ruling by the Federal Surface Transportation Board blocking the vacating of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail lines. The ruling came as a result of a lawsuit by Ed Kessler, a longtime rail proponent and an advocate for Union Station rail yard.

Hutchison said central New Mexico's rail system had more than 1 million riders in two years, with a similar or less density compared to Oklahoma City.

Tuesday evening's vote was a far cry from the previous attempt about four years ago, when the measure failed on a 4-4 vote. That time, ODOT officials sat in the front row of council chambers and fought city officials and proponents on the vote.

Kovach said the fight is far from over to save the rail yard. He recommended supporters write legislators and other state leaders.

"We need a public and political commitment," Hutchison said.

Carol Cole-Frowe 366-3538 ccole@normantranscript.com