Coalition proposes new passenger train through southern North Dakota

“An informal group is hoping to formalize its organization to restore a passenger rail line from Minnesota through southern North Dakota and into Montana in the coming months. With new federal dollars under the Build Back Better transportation infrastructure bill, they're hopeful that the dream of bringing back the rail line that would eventually reach the west coast will become a reality.”

Two members of the Greater Northwest Rail Coalition were in Fargo on Friday, Dec. 10, to talk with residents and government officials about joining the effort.

Jason Stuart, vice chairman of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, is helping spearhead the initiative and dozens of counties and cities along the proposed route have already signed on to the coalition.

Stuart, of Glendive, Montana, said North Dakota's two senators, Senator Kevin Cramer and Senator John Hoeven, have signed a letter in support of forming an official working group on the project.

Stuart and Dan Bilka, a director of the Rail Passengers Association from Denver, said the economic benefits would provide a tenfold return on investments by Amtrak to states along the route.