Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

@bigskyrail

Revitalizing Communities and Building Sustainable Economies. Restoring regional passenger rail across southern Montana and the Big Sky North Coast Corridor #CID

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· 1d

The next federal surface transportation bill could shape passenger rail, freight and infrastructure investment for years. Rebecca Higgins of the Eno Center will discuss what it could mean for the Greater Northwest at the Rail Summit. Aug 25–27 | Helena bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b...

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· 1d

We rebuilt our FAQ page. It's now organized by topic (Governance, Empire Builder, Corridor ID, Funding, and more) and includes a new Myths & Facts section tackling common misconceptions about our 2,300-mile, 8-state corridor. bigskyrailmt.gov/faqs #BigSkyRail

"Map showing the proposed Big Sky North Coast Corridor passenger rail route from Seattle and Portland through Montana to Fargo, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Chicago."

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· 4d

Join us August 25 - 27 in Helena to learn how integrated transportation networks are helping shape the future of the Greater Northwest. Register today: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b...

Montana State Capitol building with a bronze equestrian statue in front, under a blue sky. Text overlay reads: "2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit. Session Highlight. America's Great Corridors of Commerce. Moving People and Products Across the Nation. August 26, 2026, Panel Discussion." Logos for Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator appear at the bottom.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· 5d

On August 3rd, the City of Helena proclaimed "Passenger Rail Day," honoring a history that runs deep. The first locomotive arrived in Helena on June 13, 1883.

"Scanned City of Helena proclamation declaring August 3, 2026 'Passenger Rail Day,' signed by Mayor Emily Dean and attested by Clerk Dannai Clayborn, citing Helena's 1883 rail history and BSPRA's work on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor."

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· 8d

The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Transportation Policy Board has joined the growing list of organizations supporting S.3728, the Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act.

Official June 15, 2026 letter from the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Transportation Policy Board to congressional leadership expressing support for S.3728, the Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· 16d

Representing Montana on the national stage. While attending the National Association of Counties (#NACo2026) as a Missoula County Commissioner, BSPRA Chair Dave Strohmaier participated in policy discussions with county leaders from across the country.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· 18d

The 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit brings together leaders from across the U.S. and Canada to discuss the future of passenger rail, freight rail, economic development, tourism, and regional connectivity. 📍 Helena, Montana 📅 August 25–27 Register: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b...

2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit promotional poster featuring the Montana State Capitol and a three-day agenda. The Summit will be held August 25–27, 2026, in Helena, Montana, and will bring together transportation leaders, policymakers, industry experts, Tribal representatives, and community partners to discuss passenger rail, freight rail, regional connectivity, economic development, workforce development, and transportation policy across the Greater Northwest. Featured speakers include U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, Elaine Clegg (Amtrak Board), Dr. Meg Ann Traci (University of Montana Rural Institute), Rebecca Higgins (Eno Center for Transportation), and Sean Jeans-Gail (Rail Passengers Association). The poster includes a QR code linking to registration.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· 20d

How do communities prepare for future passenger rail? They start planning before the first train arrives. Madison's Passenger Rail Station Study demonstrates how thoughtful planning can strengthen multimodal connections, improve accessibility, and support long-term economic development.

Image 1: Overview of the Madison Passenger Rail Station Study describing how communities prepare for future passenger rail through station planning, multimodal connections, accessibility, and economic development.

Image 2: Summary of the Madison Passenger Rail Station Study showing corridor evaluation, station site analysis, recommended locations, and next steps.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Jul 6

BSPRA Board Meeting: Wednesday, July 8, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT, virtually via Microsoft Teams. On the agenda: Corridor ID update BSPRA 2027 preliminary budget presentation PNWER-RIA and CRISI grant updates Join: bigskyrailmt.gov/upcoming-meetings/jpsaw-obeel8tkytzststxhb9f-zhlx8

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Jul 4

Theodore Roosevelt arrived by train. This week, history did it again. Today, the @trpl.bsky.social officially opens in Medora on America’s 250th birthday.

Red, white, and blue BNSF America 250 locomotives pulling a passenger train through the North Dakota Badlands near Medora during Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication events.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Jun 17

The 2025 Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Annual Report is now available. Read about progress on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, federal planning, partnerships, legislative engagement, workforce development and community outreach. Read the report: simplebooklet.com/bspra2025ann...

Annual report page introducing the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, with a route map and summary information about BSPRA’s effort to restore passenger rail service across southern Montana and the Greater Northwest.

Annual report page titled “Federal Legislative Engagement,” with text about BSPRA’s 2025 federal advocacy, photos from Capitol Hill visits, and a photo of the Amtrak station and James J. Hill statue in Havre, Montana.

Annual report page titled “2026 Looking Ahead,” with text about the coming year, the Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena, BSPRA’s fifth anniversary and future federal planning work. The page includes photos of the Montana State Capitol and Montana Heritage Center in Helena.

Annual report acknowledgments page thanking local governments, Tribal Nations, transportation partners, business and organization partners, community leaders, volunteers and advocates. The page includes a collage of photos from BSPRA events and community gatherings.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Jun 9

Registration is open for the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit and BSPRA Annual Conference. August 25–27, 2026 Helena, Montana Co-hosted by BSPRA and the PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator. Learn more and register: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b... #PassengerRail #BigSkyRail #Montana

Graphic announcing the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit and BSPRA Annual Conference, August 25–27, 2026, in Helena, Montana, with an image of the Montana State Capitol.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Jun 5

BNSF Railway’s America 250 locomotive rolled through Missoula this week. Rail continues to connect communities, economies and stories across Montana and the Greater Northwest. Video and photos courtesy of Commissioner Dave Strohmaier. #BigSkyRail #BNSF #America250 #PassengerRail

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Jun 3

Looking for a Father’s Day, graduation or summer travel gift? The BSPRA shop includes official merchandise, Empire Builder items available with gratitude to artist Michael Schwab and Greater Northwest rail gifts created especially for BSPRA by Xplorer Maps. bigskyrailmt.gov/shop

Empire Builder merchandise including a mug, shirt, glass and puzzle featuring artwork by Michael Schwab.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Baseball cap

Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Map Collection graphic showing map-themed gifts created for BSPRA by Xplorer Maps.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· May 29

Congratulations to Mountain Line and the Missoula Urban Transportation District on being named the 2026 Large Community Transportation System of the Year by the Community Transportation Association of America

Photo of a 2026 Community Transportation Association of America award recognizing Mountain Line in Missoula, Montana as Community Transportation System of the Year, Large System.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· May 25

Today, we remember. 🇺🇸 This historic photograph captures "Butte’s Second Splendid Quota" of 317 men on September 29, 1917, just moments before boarding passenger trains to serve in WWI.

A historic wide panoramic black-and-white photograph from September 29, 1917, showing a massive crowd of 317 men standing closely together on the steps of a building in Butte, Montana. Two large American flags are visible within the crowd. Handwritten text across the bottom of the photo reads: "Butte's Second Splendid Quota of 317 - Sent to the National Army - Sept. 29, 1917."

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· May 22

Thank you to Barry and Marilyn Green of Glendive, Montana. Barry, a retired BNSF railroader and longtime Rail Passengers Association leader, spent a full day on Capitol Hill advocating for passenger rail, rural connectivity and the Big Sky North Coast Corridor. #PassengerRail #BigSkyRail

Barry and Marilyn Green of Glendive, Montana at Senator Tim Sheehy’s office.

Barry and Marilyn Green at Senator Steve Daines’ office.

Barry and Marilyn Green at Senator Kevin Cramer’s office.

Barry and Marilyn Green at Senator John Hoeven’s office.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· May 20

Passenger rail progress takes serious partners. BSPRA welcomes its MOU with AIPRO Rail, connecting public corridor leadership with the labor, manufacturing, operations and technical expertise needed to move rail projects forward. #PassengerRail #BigSkyRail #AIPRORail

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· May 13

1,330 Montanans. 55 counties. Public transportation matters. The TIC survey shows transportation access affects medical care, jobs, education, recreation, shopping and independence. It revealed strong interest in expanded passenger rail service across Montana. docs.legmt.gov/download-tic...

Screenshot of the Montana Legislature Transportation Interim Committee’s May 2026 SJ 19 public transportation survey report showing that 1,330 Montanans from 55 counties responded to a statewide survey on public transportation availability, usage and needs.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· May 12

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Board will meet on Wednesday, May 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MST. Agenda and join link: bigskyrailmt.gov/upcoming-mee... #PassengerRail #BigSkyNorthCoastCorridor #Montana

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Apr 30

Rail labor is clear: Congress should pass S. 3728. This bill will not move on goodwill alone. Senators need to hear from everyone who wants long-distance passenger rail restored. Contact your senators today: bigskyrailmt.gov/take-action Please share. #PassengerRail #S3728

Graphic showing an April 13, 2026 IAM Union and Transportation Communications Union/IAM letter expressing strong support for S. 3728, the Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act. The letter urges Congress to support long-distance passenger rail as national infrastructure.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Apr 15

The Big Sky North Coast Corridor is moving forward and so is the national conversation about the future of passenger rail. bigskyrailmt.gov/spring-2026-update

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Apr 13

Amtrak is hosting a public webinar on Hiawatha West. This map shows the corridor being advanced from Milwaukee toward Madison and beyond — part of the broader east-west passenger rail spine tied to the Big Sky North Coast Corridor. April 14 amtraknewera.com/hiawatha-west/ #PassengerRail

Map of the proposed Hiawatha West Corridor showing Amtrak service extending west from Milwaukee to Madison, with temporary station locations in Waukesha County, Watertown and Madison, and existing service continuing south to Chicago and northwest toward St. Paul.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Apr 11

Connection shapes everyday life: access to health care, education, jobs, and community. BSPRA is pleased to be part of the University of Montana Democracy Summit on April 14, focused on moving from isolation to social connection. www.umt.edu/strategy/dem... #DemocracySummit #PassengerRail

Democracy Summit graphic from the University of Montana with the theme “Moving from Isolation to Social Connection,” the April 14, 2026 event date, University Center location, a crowd image, and a QR code for more information.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Apr 6

Amtrak recently shared confirmation of funding. Apologies for the delay>

Infographic titled “Malta, MT Corridor Operational Enhancement Project” showing an Amtrak train and explaining an $18.6 million project to improve rail infrastructure in Montana. It outlines benefits like reducing delays and improving safety, describes two components including a new crossover in Malta and a siding extension in Bowdoin, and includes a timeline from 2024 to 2025 with Amtrak, BNSF, and BSPRA as stakeholders.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Apr 6

Today is a good day to celebrate Montana’s communities, landscapes, and connections across this extraordinary state. From small towns to larger cities, passenger rail is part of a broader vision for mobility, access, and long-term opportunity.

Montana State Fair
Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority booth at the Montana State Fair with Chair David Strohmaier, citizen volunteer Jim Gillan, and Dan Bucks.

Pint night in Missoula
Community members gathered at a passenger rail pint night in Missoula with a display map of the Greater Northwest passenger rail corridor.

Montana State Capitol
BSPRA Chair David Strohmaier and Vice Chair Jason Stuart standing in front of the Montana State Capitol building in Helena, Montana, with the equestrian statue of Thomas Francis Meagher in the foreground.

BNSF appreciation train
Rep. Denise Baum with BSPRA Chair David Strohmaier and Vice Chair Jason Stuart on the BNSF appreciation train.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Mar 31

Montanans: the TIC public survey is STILL open. If passenger rail, public transportation, rural mobility, and transportation access matter to you, please take a few minutes to complete the survey by 12 PM noon on Friday, April 10, 2026. Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/VSYDGX6

Black-and-white Montana Transportation Interim Committee poster announcing a public transportation survey in Montana, with QR code, survey link, and deadline of 12 PM noon on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Mar 19

Transit planning should reflect community needs. The Greater Helena Area MPO is seeking public input on transit needs and priorities through March 20. If you live, work, travel, or access services in the Helena region, please take a moment to complete a survey. www.greaterhelenampo.com/Plans/LRTP

Helena MPO transit survey graphic showing a purple accessible transit bus parked outside a Helena transit facility beneath the headline “Help shape Helena’s transit!” and the call to action “Take the transit survey.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Mar 10

Now posted: BSPRA’s Hi-Line Community Engagement Report prepared by Trillium Cooperative, supported through USDOT Build America Bureau RIA work with PNWER. Full report: bigskyrailmt.gov/hi-line-enga...

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority@bigskyrail· Mar 10

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Board will meet on Wednesday, March 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MST. The meeting is open to the public. Agenda and join link: bigskyrailmt.gov/upcoming-mee... #PassengerRail #BigSkyNorthCoastCorridor #Montana