Funding remains talking point for North Coast Hiawatha Line

Discussions regarding the resurrection of the former North Coast Hiawatha line that would run from Chicago to Seattle and bring service through the Treasure State continue to progress.  The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) has moved past advocacy and optimization. It is now utilizing the corridor identification program to develop the route.  Since this route crosses state lines, specifically eight, state departments of transportation are consulted. That has led to some funding questions.  

Dave Strohmaier, a County Commissioner of Missoula County, Montana, and the Chairman of the BSPRA said estimates are preliminary because work remains to be done with all the sides involved in the North Coast Hiawatha line. “There’s the other side of the ledger here. There’s the benefit side, and just focusing on costs and potential costs only provides part of the story. The other part of the story, you need not look any further than Northern Montana to see the Empire Builder,” said Strohmaier.