While the rail coaches aren’t rolling across southern Montana just yet, the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority continues to gain momentum, and with billions earmarked for passenger rail in the new infrastructure bill, the timing of it all may be on their side.

This week, Custer County in eastern Montana adopted a resolution petitioning to join the state rail authority. Custer, along with Rosebud and Stillwater counties, bring to 16 the number of Montana counties across the southern tier working together to restore passenger rail after a 43-year hiatus.

By Martin Kidston