Montana State University Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Friday Forum

Jason Stuart, vice-chair of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, and Dan Bucks, chairman of the authority’s Development and Strategic Engagement Committee, will discuss the history of passenger rail service in Montana and current efforts to reestablish passenger rail service across southern Montana.

In December 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration announced that Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority successfully applied to include the former North Coast Hiawatha route in the FRA’s Corridor ID program. This is the only national, long-distance route selected for inclusion in Corridor ID. The administration awarded the Big Sky authority an initial grant of $500,000 to prepare, with more funding to follow to create a plan, conduct environmental reviews and pay for technical engineering. FRA also revealed that the former North Coast Hiawatha route is one of 15 long-distance rail routes preferred for restoration.  Forum participants are encouraged to submit questions and comments in advance via Zoom registration.

Participants must register no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8. Upon registration confirmation, participants will receive an email with the Zoom link and instructions to join the program. Friday Forum offers presentations and lively discussions on local and regional timely topics. Friday Forum is free and open to the public.