Article Summary –
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has included a Chicago-to-Seattle passenger rail route through Montana in its list of 15 routes set for restoration. This marks the second time the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s (BSPRA) efforts to expand passenger train service in Montana have been recognized by federal officials. The North Coast Hiawatha route, which would benefit rural communities by connecting them with hospitals, colleges, urban centers, and veteran services, is among the strongest candidates for restoration, and the FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program has allocated initial funding of $500,000 for the project.
Government Taps North Coast Hiawatha for Restoration
The North Coast Hiawatha, a passenger rail route from Chicago to Seattle, is amongst the 15 long-distance routes identified for restoration by the U.S. government. It’s the second instance of federal regulators acknowledging the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s efforts to enhance Montana’s rail service.
On February 8, the Federal Railroad Administration revealed that if restored, the train service might operate via Helena rather than Butte. This news was welcomed by the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, which formed in 2020 to advocate for an expanded rail service through southern Montana.
According to Jason Stuart, the BSPRA vice-chair and Dawson County Economic Development Council member, the North Coast Hiawatha Route was a strong candidate for restoration. He explains that this route could significantly benefit remote communities, offering easier access to hospitals, colleges, urban centers, and veteran services.
Stuart further noted the North Coast Hiawatha route was also selected for the FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. The program’s initial funding of $500,000 will assist BSPRA in evaluating the route’s logistical, financial, and ridership details. This inclusion could potentially channel millions of dollars for the project’s advancement.
Stuart expects the FRA to submit its report on the long-distance study to Congress by the year’s end, which will affirm the authority’s recommendation to restore the route. Both the Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study and the Corridor ID program are funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated over $8 billion for passenger rail projects.
Upon completion, the report will illustrate the economic and social benefits of reinstating Amtrak service and provide implementation guidance. The North Coast Hiawatha route’s exact path is nearing resolution – the FRA’s preliminary analysis proposes service through Helena rather than Butte. However, BSPRA’s goal is to extend rail service to as many Montana communities as possible, including Butte.
North Coast Hiawatha isn’t the only proposal aimed at expanding Montanans’ rail access. A Billings to El Paso, Texas route was also featured in the FRA’s presentation. The FRA is welcoming comments on its list of preferred routes through March 8 at contactus@fralongdistancerailstudy.org.
—
Read More Montana News
