Revitalizing Communities and Building Sustainable Economies
SAVE THE DATE! BSPRA 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) was accepted into the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID (CID) Program in December of 2023. Subsequently BSPRA selected a team led by David Evans and Associates (DEA) and including Quandel Consultants (Quandel), KLJ Engineering (KLJ) and the Steer Group (STEER) for the pivotal role of planning and designing new passenger rail service on the former North Coast Hiawatha route, hereafter referred to as the Big Sky North Coast Corridor . These efforts under CID Step 1 will be submitted to the FRA in April / May 2025. Read the press release about CID selection here and DEA’s selection here. Big Sky North Coast Corridor one-pager.
Corridor ID Program
Request for Proposal- Financial Audit Services
Overview
The Big Sky Rail Passenger Authority (BSPRA) is seeking proposals from experienced financial auditing firms to conduct financial audits in accordance with the State of Montana’s requirements. As BSPRA continues to expand its operations and financial activity, we are looking for a trusted partner to ensure compliance and financial transparency.
For any questions or clarifications, please reach out to Rich Wallace, Treasurer or Vivian Winston, CFO.
Scope of Work
Conducting Annual Financial Audits
Ensuring Compliance with Montana State Financial Regulations
Providing Detailed Reports and Recommendations for Financial Management Improvements
Submission Details
Deadline: Friday, May 23 @ 5:00 p.m. MT
Submission Method: Email Maggie Tupper, Office Services Manager
Required Documents:
A proposal detailing their approach, experience, and methodology.
A list of previous audit engagements relevant to the public sector or transportation authorities
Proposed pricing and fee structure
References from previous Clients.
Restoring Passenger Rail to Southern Montana and Beyond
Traveling through seven states, Amtrak’s North Coast Limited/Hiawatha connected Chicago, Illinois to Seattle, Washington. Operating for more than 80 years, the discontinuation of this line in 1979 severed access to passenger rail to the largest cities in Montana and North Dakota and small towns in between. As a result, a vast expanse of the Greater Northwest Region lacks passenger rail service.
Today, more than 2,000 miles from the Great Lake to the Pacific and 800 miles from Great Falls to Denver no longer have access to passenger rail service. It’s time to provide passenger rail service to all of America. The benefits of restored service are many.
Livingston Depot Center, Livingston, MT Photo Credit: Ron Reiring of Burbank, California
Benefits of Restoring Passenger Rail
Using the Hi-Line / Empire Builder
Creates jobs
Provides affordable, safe, clean transportation year-round for healthcare, education, commerce, and tourism
Upgrades rail lines for freight AND passenger service
The Empire Builder generates an Annual Economic Return to the U.S. of $327 million (2023).
Annual federal appropriation to run the service is $57.5M – a nearly 6x return on investment
Pre-pandemic, the Empire Builder's annual economic return was $595 million—$101M in Montana alone—a 10x return on investment.
Gaining Steam Across the Region and in Congress
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) offers his thoughts to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Annual Meeting attendees on June 7th, 2024
Governor Doug Burgum, ND, addresses the Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Summit on August 22, 2022
Thank You Partners
Empire Builder
Northern California artist Michael Schwab, known for his iconic style, crafted the striking artwork for Amtrak's 'Empire Builder' in 2003. This captivating piece, part of a print ad campaign spanning from 2004 to 2012, intricately captures the essence of historic American train routes amidst a timeless and serene winter setting in the vast American West. 'Empire Builder' merchandise, crafted by the talented designer Michael Schwab, is available for purchase to support the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority.
Show your love for train travel with these unique items bearing the iconic design.
