Big Sky Passenger Rail

07/30/2026

When a former U.S. Senator and Class I railroad board member talks about the future of passenger rail, people take notice.

On KFGO 790 AM's News & Views, one of the most listened-to radio programs in the Northern Plains, host Joel Heitkamp welcomed his sister Heidi Heitkamp, former U.S. Senator from North Dakota and current member of the Norfolk Southern Board of Directors, fresh off a ride aboard Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world.

Then the phone rang.

BSPRA Governance Committee member and citizen volunteer, City of Jamestown - Government, City Councilman David Steele, called the program to ask what Heidi thought about the effort to restore passenger rail between Chicago, Seattle, and Portland along the historic North Coast Hiawatha route.

Her answer was encouraging:

"I'm a big proponent."

Heidi explained that modern dispatching and systematic rail switching make it increasingly possible for passenger and freight service to share the rails successfully. She added that Norfolk Southern is "very sensitive" to ensuring Amtrak receives the priority it needs to operate reliably, and concluded:

"We're working on it and hopefully it'll happen."

David is helping build North Dakota's coalition, from Fargo and Jamestown to Bismarck, Dickinson, and Medora, gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and home of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opened July 1. Joel knows Medora's draw firsthand, broadcasting live for three hours from the library's grand opening.

Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Medora by train.

With your help, the next generation can too.

Learn more and get involved:
https://bigskyrailmt.gov

🎧 Listen to the full interview: https://omny.fm/shows/news-views-with-joel-heitkamp/former-u-s-senator-heidi-heitkamp-rode-big-boy-the-worlds-largest-operating-steam-locomotive

07/17/26: Joel Heitkamp is broadcasting from Studio South and is joined by his sister and former United States Senator, Heidi Heitkamp. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m....

07/27/2026

What role will federal leadership play in shaping the future of rail across the Greater Northwest?

Senator Tim Sheehy will join transportation, industry, and policy leaders at the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit to discuss the future of rail in Montana and across the Greater Northwest.

A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, former Navy SEAL, founder of Bridger Aerospace, and member of the U.S. Senate, Sheehy brings experience in business, infrastructure, and economic development, along with a focus on strengthening transportation networks that support commerce, connect communities, and drive regional growth.

Join us August 25 - 27 in Helena for this important discussion.

Register today:
https://bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-bspra-annual-meeting

07/26/2026

Representing Montana on the national stage.

While attending the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference as a Missoula County Commissioner, BSPRA Chair Dave Strohmaier participated in policy discussions with county leaders from across the country.

During the conference, he also took time to observe one of New Orleans' iconic streetcar lines, in addition to riding on Amtrak's Mardi Gras train - a reminder that communities of every size continue to invest in transportation that connects people, supports local economies, and strengthens quality of life.

The relationships and ideas shared through organizations like NACo help inform conversations taking place in communities across the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.

Montana Association of Counties Missoula County, Montana - Government The City of New Orleans Friends of the Sunset Limited & Mardi Gras Train Southern Rail Commission

07/24/2026

Join the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority for the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit, August 25-27, as transportation leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and community partners come together to discuss what's next for passenger and freight rail across the region.

With growing momentum behind passenger rail across the Greater Northwest, including the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, this year's Summit will focus on the investments, partnerships, and opportunities that strengthen communities, support economic development, expand tourism, and improve regional connectivity.

We hope you'll join the conversation. Register today and learn more at: https://bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-bspra-annual-meeting

07/23/2026

We have followed the progress of the Southern Rail Commission and the communities, mayors, tourism authorities, and EDC's along the route. Kudos and thanks for the inspiration and support you have shown us. We hope some of you can join us virtually at the Greater Northwest Summit & BSPRA Annual Conference next month in Helena, MT.

07/22/2026

How do communities prepare for future passenger rail?

They start planning long before the first train arrives.

During BSPRA's recent Government Partners webinar, transportation planner Christof Spieler shared how Madison is preparing today for tomorrow's passenger rail opportunities.

From station location and multimodal connections to economic development and community access, successful passenger rail begins with thoughtful local planning.

Explore the Government Partners Program, watch the webinar, and learn how communities can prepare for the future.

🔗 https://bigskyrailmt.gov/gov-partners-program

07/17/2026

Join the conversation shaping the future of rail in the Greater Northwest.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit, August 25–27 in Helena, Montana.

Transportation leaders, federal and state officials, Tribal representatives, railroads, business leaders, local governments, passenger rail advocates, and regional partners from across the U.S. and Canada will gather for three days of collaboration focused on the future of passenger and freight rail, economic development, workforce, tourism, and regional connectivity.

The Summit will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers, engaging panel discussions, and opportunities to build partnerships that will help shape the future of transportation throughout the region.

📰 Read the announcement:
https://www.einpresswire.com/article/927189982/big-sky-passenger-rail-authority-and-pnwer-to-host-2026-greater-northwest-rail-summit-in-helena

🎟️ Register and view the agenda:
https://bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-bspra-annual-meeting

We look forward to seeing you in Helena!

› Connecting the Northwest 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit August 25–27, 2026 | Helena, Montana GNWRS–BSPRA Annual Conference 📅 August 25–27, 2026 | 📍 Montana Heritage Center 225 Roberts St, Helena, MT Register Now ⌄ Co-Hosted By Why Attend Save the date for the Greater Northwest ...

07/10/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit, August 25-27 in Helena.

Join transportation leaders, industry experts, elected officials, and economic development professionals for three days of conversations on passenger rail, freight movement, workforce development, tourism, and the future of rail across the Greater Northwest.

Register today and be part of the conversation driving the future of rail in the region!

Learn more: https://bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-bspra-annual-meeting

07/06/2026

BSPRA Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 8, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT, held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

All are welcome! On the agenda:
Corridor ID update from David Evans and Associates, Inc.
BSPRA 2027 preliminary budget presentation
Updates on the PNWER-RIA and CRISI workforce development grants and Fed-State Partnership update on the Malta project

Agenda and details to join below.

Click here to view DRAFT agenda Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 211 668 932 677 01 Passcode: dZ74jf7q Dial in by phone +1 406-384-6363,,102153781 # United States, Billings Phone conference ID: 102 153 781 #

07/04/2026

Theodore Roosevelt arrived by train.
This week, history did it again. 🚂🇺🇸

Today, as the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library officially opens in Medora on America’s 250th birthday, this week’s ribbon-cutting carries a powerful message for the future of passenger rail.

The presidential train arrival was a symbolic reenactment of Theodore Roosevelt’s original 1883 arrival in the Dakota Territory, echoing the whistle-stop tradition that helped connect presidents, communities, and the American West.

The images and message are unmistakable: a presidential train has arrived again on the historic route we are working to restore for modern passenger rail service across the Greater Northwest, the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.

The tracks that brought history to Medora can help carry the Greater Northwest forward.

Follow the work and join the effort at bigskyrailmt.gov.

Image via Senator John Hoeven.