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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Applauds FRA Report, Highlights Big Sky North Coast Corridor

January 23, 2025/

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) welcomes the release of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) final report on the Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study. This long-anticipated document outlines recommendations for restoring and expanding long-distance passenger rail services across the United States, including the pivotal Big Sky North Coast Corridor, which is vital for the economic and transportation needs of the Greater Northwest.

The FRA’s study identifies 15 potential routes for restoration or initiation, several of which traverse the Greater Northwest. Among them is the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, which reconnects rural, urban, and tribal communities across Montana, North Dakota, and beyond. The inclusion of this corridor reflects years of advocacy by regional stakeholders and BSPRA’s efforts to ensure transportation access for all communities.

“The FRA report is an important step forward, but now is the time to act,” said Dave Strohmaier, Chairman of BSPRA. “We need Congress to allocate funding and resources to turn these recommendations into reality. The Big Sky North Coast Corridor is more than a transportation project; it’s a lifeline for our communities, economies, and the environment and an opportunity to show the nation what a model passenger rail service can look like in the 21st century. Now is the time to bring the full force of America’s creative, entrepreneurial, and can-do spirit to the table and get the job done.”

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