Big Sky Passenger Rail

Big Sky Passenger Rail Revitalizing Communities and Building Sustainable Economies
Working to revitalize and restore passenger rail to Southern Montana and the Greater Northwest.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Facebook Comment Policy

Thank you for visiting our social media channels. Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is committed to transparent communication and public engagement. We recognize that community members have real questions about corridor plans, public investment and how additional passenger rail service could affect communities across the region. We want thos

e questions raised through channels where they can be fully considered and appropriately addressed. Comment Policy
BSPRA uses Facebook primarily to share timely information, public meeting notices, project updates and other Authority news. Comments are turned off on our Facebook posts because Facebook comment threads are not an official public comment channel and are not the most effective way to ensure questions, concerns or feedback receive appropriate consideration and response. This policy applies uniformly to all posts and visitors, including tagged accounts. BSPRA does not selectively disable comments or apply different standards to individual users or viewpoints. Public Participation
We value public input and encourage community members to participate through our open public meetings, where all are welcome to attend and comment. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted publicly so residents and interested parties can follow the Authority's work and decisions. Feedback Channels
Questions, feedback and requests for information may also be submitted directly to BSPRA by email. These channels provide a more reliable way for the Authority to receive, consider and respond to public input than social media comment threads. Respectful Engagement
BSPRA is committed to transparent, fact-based and respectful communication. We believe meaningful dialogue is best supported through channels designed for direct public engagement rather than open social media comment threads. For information about upcoming meetings, current projects and ways to engage with BSPRA, please visit bigskyrailmt.gov.

New coverage from the Missoulian following the Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena.Reporter Griffen Smith takes a cl...
09/01/2026

New coverage from the Missoulian following the Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena.

Reporter Griffen Smith takes a closer look at where the Big Sky North Coast Corridor stands and what comes next, including the federal Corridor ID Program, bipartisan congressional support and collaboration across the region.

Read the full story, republished with permission from the Missoulian: https://bigskyrailmt.gov/news/montana-passenger-rail-missoulian

One of the most consequential conversations at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit was about what it takes to sustain pass...
08/30/2026

One of the most consequential conversations at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit was about what it takes to sustain passenger rail development over the long haul.

Rail Passengers Association’s Sean Jeans-Gail joined BSPRA’s Dan Bucks and Rebecca Higgins of the Eno Center for Transportation for a discussion of surface transportation reauthorization and the future of federal rail policy.

In his reflections from Helena, Sean highlights a challenge that reaches well beyond any one corridor: communities, states, Tribal governments, railroads and other partners are already investing significant time and resources in developing passenger rail service. That work depends on federal policy that gives those partners enough stability to plan with confidence.

Thanks to Sean and the Rail Passengers Association for joining us in Helena and for continuing the conversation.

Read Sean’s reflections:

Mr. Jeans-Gail goes to Montana

Thanks to the Missoulian for this coverage.
08/30/2026

Thanks to the Missoulian for this coverage.

Rail could be a boon for tourism, much of the infrastructure for passenger rail already in place, Sheehy says. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

Progress on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, and a strong North Dakota connection.The Jamestown Sun’s Masaki Ova report...
08/30/2026

Progress on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, and a strong North Dakota connection.

The Jamestown Sun’s Masaki Ova reports from the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena that the first step in the federal Corridor Identification and Development process is now approximately 95% complete.

Abe Zumwalt, project manager with David Evans and Associates, Inc., provided an update on the work completed to date and what lies ahead, including development of the service plan, market and feasibility analysis, infrastructure and operating needs, and coordination across the eight-state corridor.

The story also highlights North Dakota’s important role in moving the corridor forward. The North Dakota Legislature has allocated funding to support the federal planning process, and the proposed route would directly serve Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson and Medora.

We were especially pleased to see City of Jamestown - Government Councilman David Steele featured in the story. David, a longtime BSPRA supporter and advocate for passenger rail in North Dakota, was recognized in Helena as one of BSPRA’s 2026 Volunteers of the Year. Jamestown is also one of BSPRA’s Government Partners.

Thank you to Masaki and the Jamestown Sun for taking a deeper look at both the progress being made and the work still ahead to reconnect communities across the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.

Read the story: https://www.jamestownsun.com/news/local/first-step-corridor-identification-and-development-of-passenger-rail-service-almost-complete

FYI Bismarck ND City Government City of Dickinson, ND Local Government The City of Fargo - Government Governor Kelly Armstrong Governor Greg Gianforte Western Governors' Association Mandan, North Dakota - City Government

The Big Sky North Coast Corridor route would go through Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson and Medora.

Federal support for long-distance passenger rail was a major topic at this week’s Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helen...
08/28/2026

Federal support for long-distance passenger rail was a major topic at this week’s Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena.

Reporting for the Daily Montanan, Jordan Hansen looks at U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy ’s support for restoring passenger rail across southern Montana and his bipartisan legislation aimed at removing federal matching requirements that can pose a significant barrier for long-distance corridor planning.

“I think we have a good shot of that passing,” Sheehy said of the legislation.

Hansen also highlights the potential for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor to strengthen tourism, connect communities and make use of transportation infrastructure that already exists.

Read the story:
https://dailymontanan.com/2026/08/26/sheehy-pushes-federal-support-for-passenger-rail-plans-in-montana/?
Lewis and Clark County Government Montana's Yellowstone Country Downtown Helena City of Helena, Local Government Billings Chamber of Commerce City of Billings Government

Much of the infrastructure for passenger rail is already in place, but funding and plans to help rail congestion remain needed

The Greater Northwest Rail Summit brought transportation leaders, policymakers and passenger rail partners together in H...
08/27/2026

The Greater Northwest Rail Summit brought transportation leaders, policymakers and passenger rail partners together in Helena this week to talk about what it will take to move passenger rail forward across Montana and the region.

KPAX-TV was there, speaking with Senator Tim Sheehy , Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Chairman Dave Strohmaier and Mountain Line CEO Jordan Hess about the work ahead.

Thank you to KPAX for covering the conversation.
FYI City of Missoula Destination Missoula Missoula Economic Partnership Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce

Passenger rail has become a bipartisan priority across the country. That includes here in Montana, with the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority currently trying to get the old Hiawatha route back.

08/27/2026

Thank you to U.S. Senator Steve Daines for sharing a message with participants at the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena.

We appreciate Senator Daines taking the time to recognize the gathering and the work underway to advance passenger rail and transportation connections across Montana and the Greater Northwest.

08/27/2026

Day 3 in Helena, and the Greater Northwest Rail Summit is wrapping up strong. This morning: a keynote from Karen Hedlund United States Government Surface Transportation Board, a Regional Rail Collaboration panel, and a fireside chat with BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Amtrak on investing in the rail network. Conference closes at noon.

Can't be here in person? Join us virtually: https://bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-bspra-annual-meeting

08/26/2026

With gratitude to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle

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