Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Conference Promotes Cultural Exchange and Rail Development | News

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Conference Promotes Cultural Exchange and Rail Development | News








The proposed passenger rail route

The proposed passenger rail route through southern Montana is gaining momentum with support from the Secretary of Transportation, federal government, tribes, communities, and local governments. (map courtesy bigskyrail.org)




MISSOULA — The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) hosted their annual 2024 conference at the Missoula Public Library on June 6 and ended the conference with a banquet at the Payne Family Native American Center at the University of Montana. Local singers and dancers from the Flathead Indian Reservation and Missoula were invited to perform at the reception in a cultural exchange to strengthen the relationships between tribes and BSPRA. 

Tribal council representatives Mike Dolson and Martin Charlo attended the event. Dolson gave the welcoming address at the banquet on Friday evening and shared the complicated history of the railroad as well as its impact on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes throughout history. 

When Commissioner McCammon met with tribal leaders on September 1-2, 1882 to acquire the right of way to pass through the reservation, tribal leaders asked for $1M. The Commissioner said, “The whole reservation would not be worth that.” 

Tribal leaders were eventually pressured into signing an agreement to allow the right-of-way through the reservation and relinquished 1,430 acres of land for $15,000. The construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad commenced through the Flathead Reservation despite objections from tribal leaders and resulted in tremendous impacts to the cultural landscape. When railroad construction was completed the following year in September of 1883, the near-extinction of wild bison occurred that same year. 

Over 140 years later, tribal leaders are optimistic about the possibilities of a passenger railroad line that crosses the same strip of land previous leaders fought so hard against building on the reservation.

The proposed passenger rail will travel north from Missoula through Arlee, Ravalli, and Dixon then west to Spokane. 

“I am glad to hear of their push to put passenger trains back on the southern route. Martin Charlo is the fellow who has great knowledge of their entire effort,” said Dolson. 

Charlo’s been involved with the BSPRA since it began in 2020. The BSRPA’s vision is “to lead the expansion and enhancement of passenger rail service throughout Montana and the greater northwest region for the development of economic, environmental, social and comprehensive benefits, now and into the future.” The project aims to provide rail service to all Americans–including tribal and rural communities in Montana. 

When Amtrak’s North Coast Limited/Hiawatha route discontinued in 1979, access to passenger rail to the largest cities in Montana and the towns in between was severed. Restoring passenger rail to southern Montana promises the creation of jobs, millions of dollars generated, clean and affordable transportation, and environmentally-sustainable development. It is also the intention to connect isolated rural and tribal communities to necessary medical facilities located in larger cities. 

The annual conference discussed the potential use of hydrogen fuel cell technology, engaging rural and tribal communities in the development of passenger rail services, and revitalizing communities by creating opportunities. 

For more information about Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, visit bigskyrail.org.



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