Monday, December 2, Grant Gager, Livingston’s city manager, talks about passenger service in general and the efforts of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to restore service on the former North Coast Hiawatha Line including the original access to Yellowstone National Park through the Livingston branch line. Having worked in passenger rail service beginning in 2006, Grant will discuss passenger railroading and its benefits to economic development, the environment, and the quality of life.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Vice Chair, Jason Stuart will address the Bozeman Kiwanis Monday November 25th from 12-1 pm about its progress in revitalizing passenger rail in Southern Montana and the Northwest.

This virtual webinar session will provide insights into the work of the Corridor ID Program and outline the Authority's upcoming steps.

We will cover: 

1. The goals and anticipated benefits of passenger rail service along the Big Sky North Coast Corridor

2. Federal grant opportunities for local facilities and services aligned with the corridor’s development

3. How Government Partners can engage in and contribute to Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s efforts

Everyone is welcome!

SAVE THE DATE FOR RUN'S FALL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM EDT, Via Zoom

"F.R.A. Corridor Grants - Boosting Economic Activity the Rail Way!"

Please join us at the Rail Users' Network Fall Virtual Conference. This event which is taking place virtually on Zoom (tm), will highlight a representative sample of I.D Corridors awards granted this past year. Each speaker will have up to 25 minutes to talk about their state's projects, which includes five minutes for Q/A. Rail Users' Network members free. Non-Members $25 which includes RUN membership through the end of 2025.

Pint Night at Cross Country Brewing benefiting Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority. This should be a fun opportunity to meet and hear about the efforts of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and the latest about the Big Sky North Coast Corridor (formerly known as the North Coast Hiawatha) while appreciating Glendive's original brewery opened in March 2017 by the Cross family. The Brewery and Tap Room is located in the old Cross Petroleum building, which had been unused since 1990 until they rehabilitated it for their brewing purposes.

Pint Night at Beaver Creek Brewery in Wibaux

The City of Bismarck and Policy Board members are encouraging citizens to provide their comments for public hearing items on the Bismarck-Mandan MPO Policy Board agenda via email to mpo@bismarcknd.gov. Please include which item number your comment references. It will be sent to the members, as well as placed with the minutes. To ensure your comments are received prior to the meeting, please submit them by 5:00 pm 1 business day prior to the meeting. If you would like to participate via video or audio link for a 3-5 minute comment on a regular agenda public hearing item, please provide your name, agenda item and e-mail address to the above e-mail at least 3 days before the meeting.

Individuals wishing to participate via ZOOM should email contact information to mpo@bismarcknd.gov at least 3 days in advance of the meeting to receive a meeting invite tailored uniquely to them.

As always, live meeting coverage is available on Government Access Channels 2 & 602HD or streaming live and archived online at FreeTv.org. Agenda items can be found online at MPO Policy Board.

Item #9 is the FEDERAL RAIL ADMINISTRATION LONG DISTANCE STUDY/BIG SKY PASSENGER RAIL AUTHORITY GOVERNMENT PARTNERS PROGRAM – Kim Riepl, MPO & Jason Stuart, BSPRA Presentation (Exhibit F)

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority – Updates on Federal Rail Administration Progress • Dave Strohmaier, Chair, Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority • MDT Updates – Heather Kuklo, MDT Freight & Rail Planner o Considerations for Incorporation of Passenger Rail into MDT Freight Plan • Public Comment* • Committee Questions

Spring Conference-May 17, 2024-“Expanding Long-Distance Rail Service” (12:30-5 PM EDT)

PNWER is celebrating the expansion of its Regional Infrastructure Accelerator program, a technical assistance demonstration program funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Build America Bureau. Join the PNWER RIA team, its subrecipients and Bureau staff to learn about new projects and ways in which PNWER will assist communities and project sponsors over the next two years.

Community Meeting about rail service on the Hi-Line / Empire Builder with Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority & Amtrak

Friday Forum offers presentations and lively discussions on local and regional timely topics. Friday Forum is free and open to the public.

The 2024 MACo Midwinter Conference will be held at the Heritage Inn, Great Falls, February 26-28. The conference is for all Elected Officials, IT Managers, Finance Officers, and DES Personnel who wish to attend.

Since 1985...

the town of Alberton has dedicated the third Saturday of July to celebrate our storied Railroading history.

This all-day festival features vendors from all over Montana, a car show, an early evening concert, loads of activities for the kids, yard sales, dance parties, and a parade so nice, you see it twice.

Come join the tiny town nestled in the valley for a day of community fun! And stop by and see us. We have a table!