Help restore Hiawatha rail service to Montana

More than three decades have elapsed since Amtrak’s North Coast Hiawatha last rolled through southern Montana. But following the abandonment of the route in 1979, Montanans’ enthusiasm for passenger rail has not waned. Interest is at an all-time high, and people I talk to from Glendive to Thompson Falls not only value restored passenger rail service through southern Montana, but see the need for a reinvigorated passenger rail system throughout the nation.

To that end, Rep. Michele Reinhart, D-Missoula, has introduced House Joint Resolution 15 that urges Congress to continue supporting the Empire Builder and take concrete steps to restore the North Coast Hiawatha – this in the face of recent congressional attempts to eviscerate Amtrak funding. If you value the Empire Builder and would like to see the return of the North Coast Hiawatha, now is your opportunity to act.

Guest column by DAVE STROHMAIER missoulian.com

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/columnists/article_a74573f6-3b72-11e0-892b-001cc4c03286.html