On December 11, 1953, a new company was organized under Colorado law, and on October 22, 1954, it was granted a Colorado State Corporate Charter under the name Southern San Luis Valley Railroad (SSLV).
The establishment of a new company in Colorado on December 11, 1953, was followed by its official recognition as the Southern San Luis Valley Railroad (SSLV) with a state charter on October 22, 1954.