2025 BSPRA Annual Conference - Turning Our Stories into Action 
September 8-10 Livingston, MT 

This year’s theme — Turning Our Stories into Action — invites participants to help move this remarkable project forward by sharing experiences, developing strategies, and building the cross-sector relationships that will drive real-world results.

Over three days in Livingston, Montana — the iconic northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park — the conference will bring together advocates, transportation professionals, and community leaders for panel discussions, keynotes, and collaborative sessions. We’ll explore what long-distance passenger rail could mean for the 25 million people of the Greater Northwest — and the countless visitors who will travel here by train. Early-bird rates end August 25

Confirmed Speakers:

• U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT)
• Knox Ross, Southern Rail Commission; CPA, Ross & Betts; former Mayor of Pelahatchie, MS
• John Robert Smith, Chair, Transportation for America
• Elaine Clegg, Board of Directors, Amtrak; CEO, Valley Regional Transit
• Sean Jeans-Gail, Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs, Rail Passengers Association
  
• Jordan Hess, CEO and General Manager of Mountain Line
• Bruce Agnew, Director, Regional Infrastructure Accelerator, PNWER 

Topics will include:

• FRA’s Corridor ID (CID) Step 2 process
• Station readiness and local planning
• Equipment, funding, and tourism alignment
• Cross-border partnerships with Canadian rail leaders
• Community-led storytelling, policy, and media strategy

Registration & Pricing

Full Conference: $170
One-Day Pass: $85
Virtual Pass: $25

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is building momentum, and 2025 has been a breakthrough year for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.

Guided by our 2025 Annual Conference theme, Turning Our Stories into Action, we’re translating local leadership, regional partnerships, and federal engagement into tangible wins that bring restored passenger rail service closer than ever.

From grassroots wins in North Dakota to service improvements along Montana’s Hi-Line, this year’s progress shows what a shared vision and coordinated advocacy can achieve.

• $150,000 commitment from the State of North Dakota, the result of grassroots advocacy and bipartisan support.
• City of Belgrade joins the Authority, expanding representation in Montana’s Gallatin Valley.
• $15 million in rail infrastructure upgrades near Malta will reduce delays for the Empire Builder and improve freight operations along the Hi-Line, thanks to a partnership between Amtrak, BNSF, and BSPRA.
• Successful Washington, D.C. fly-in to advance our policy priorities and engage congressional champions.
• Community outreach from the Grand Forks Herald op-ed to community events in Helena, BSPRA is building enthusiasm for restoring service.
• Launch of the Big Sky Rail Foundation to support long-term funding, outreach, and project capacity. 
• Corridor ID: Step 2 on the horizon. Following work on $500,000 FRA planning award (currently wrapping up), BSPRA will move forward this fall with Step 2 of the Corridor Identification and Development Program, including ridership modeling, station site planning, and benefit-cost analysis. 
  

Xplorer Maps – Limited Edition Prints
A limited number of our $300 collector’s prints remain. These unframed, limited-edition maps celebrate passenger rail and key sites across the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, and ship in protective tubes. Free shipping included. Every purchase directly supports BSPRA’s efforts.

Your support—whether through a gift, partnership, or purchase—keeps our progress on track. 

Four Ways to Keep the Momentum Going:

• Sponsor the Annual Conference - Gain visibility, support event costs, and receive brand recognition across all conference materials.
• Become a Government or Business Partner - Get year-round recognition and exclusive engagement opportunities.
• Give to the Big Sky Rail Foundation - Your tax-deductible gift fuels grant work, capacity building, and long-term impact.
• Shop Our Merchandise - Wear your support; every purchase helps fund our restoration efforts.
  

We hope you can join us in Livingston!

With gratitude,
Dave

Dave Strohmaier
Chair
BIG SKY PASSENGER RAIL AUTHORITY
406.258.3204
dstrohmaier@bigskyrail.

L to R, with Senator Tim Sheehy, at the FRA with John Robert Smith, Chair of Transportation for America, and staff from Smart Growth America, and in front of Representative (MT) Troy Downing's office.

The City of Belgrade has joined the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s Government Partners Program.

Belgrade becomes the latest Montana community to help lead the charge to restore long-distance passenger rail across the Northern Rockies and Plains. With a fast-growing population, strong transportation infrastructure, and regional vision, Belgrade is a key addition to our corridor coalition.

“Passenger rail offers lasting economic and mobility benefits for our community, and we’re excited to help shape the future of this corridor.” Neil Cardwell, City Manager, City of Belgrade.
Read the announcement

The ND Legislature has allocated $150,000 to support the return of passenger rail service through Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, and Medora - all part of the proposed Big Sky North Coast Corridor from Chicago to Seattle.

This funding is North Dakota’s contribution to an $11 million federal planning effort under the FRA’s Corridor ID Program, putting the state at the forefront of restoring long-distance rail in America.

“Everybody has been positive, wishing it was done tomorrow or yesterday,” said Jamestown City Councilman David Steele. Read more

Not duplication—restoration.
The Big Sky North Coast Corridor would reconnect Bismarck, Glendive, Billings, Livingston, and Missoula—communities that lost Amtrak service in 1979. This route complements the Empire Builder, serving a different region left out for 45+ years.

Support is growing—from the Bismarck–Mandan MPO to cities like Dickinson and Jamestown, and all four U.S. Senators from North Dakota and Montana.

Read the full op-ed in the Grand Forks

Corridor ID Update: Advancing Planning for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor

As of summer 2025, the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) is laying the groundwork for Step 2 of the FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, following its successful $500,000 planning award in 2023. This next phase will refine the vision for restoring long-distance passenger rail service through southern Montana and the greater northern tier. In late June, BSPRA hosted a strategic briefing from Abe Zumwalt of David Evans and Associates (DEA), who presented the scope and intent of the proposed Step 2 work. His presentation outlined:

• Key planning components of the Service Development Plan, including ridership projections, capital needs, and benefit-cost analysis
• Proposed approaches to station site identification, stakeholder engagement, and regional alignment
• Considerations for tribal consultation, state coordination, and federal implementation standards

CID June 28th presentation from DEA Link here

BSPRA held two Community Conversations this summer in Helena for those interested in hearing about the Big Sky North Coast Corridor and discussing what long-distance passenger rail could mean for our region.  These were well attended and will continue along the Corridor throughout the coming months.

$15 Million Infrastructure Win for Malta
Amtrak, BNSF Railway, and the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority are partnering to deliver $15 million in federal funding to upgrade rail infrastructure near Malta, Montana. This investment will reduce delays for the Empire Builder and improve freight operations along this busy stretch of the Hi-Line. The project reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Montana’s existing passenger rail service while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

Limited Edition Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Fine Art Print by Xplorer Maps
Signed & Numbered by Artist Chris Robitaille – Only 50 Ever Made

This first-of-its-kind collaboration between Xplorer Maps and the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority celebrates the Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Corridor with exquisite, hand-drawn detail. The result is a unique piece of art that effectively "tells the story" of the Greater Northwest Passenger Rail project and the return of passenger rail across the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.

Each giclée print is:

Signed & numbered (1–50) by the artist

Printed on 100% Museo Max cotton rag heavyweight paper – guaranteed never to fade

Sized 32.5" x 16.5" (unframed)

FREE SHIPPING while the final prints last. Order your signed & numbered print now 

Ways YOU Can Help Build the Big Sky North Coast Corridor

Business Partner

Align your brand with the transformative movement to restore passenger rail across the Greater Northwest. As a Business Partner, you’ll engage civic, tribal, and business leaders—while supporting economic growth, tourism, and rural connectivity. Your contribution is impactful, tax-deductible, and rooted in community-centered values.
Business & Organization Partner Program

Government Partner 

Join the growing network of counties, cities, and tribal governments committed to bringing back passenger rail. Membership amplifies your community’s voice, connects you with regional leaders, and demonstrates leadership in sustainable economic development.
Government Partner Program

Big Sky Rail Foundation 

The Foundation enables us to match federal grants, fund outreach, and design the Corridor. Every dollar moved through the Foundation unlocks significant federal investment—and advances us toward restoring passenger rail service.
Read our Case for Support

Wear, Display, Gift Merchandise to show your support!

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