Big Sky North Coast Corridor train route moves forward in planning process

Recently, the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority held a webinar to inform government agencies of the progress the organization has made since its inception on May 21, 2021.

Authority Chair Dave Strohmaier and Development and Strategic Engagement Chair Dan Bucks clarified that this is no longer just a dream. 

For over a year, the organization has laid the groundwork for a logistical infrastructure to support passenger rail restoration. The Big Sky North Coast Corridor, formerly known as the North Coast Hiawatha route, is the only new long-distance route in the Federal Railroad Authority study that has also been accepted into FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program (Corridor ID). Acceptance into this program brought an initial $500,000 for scoping of a full-blown service development plan for the route that is supporting critical planning, coordination, and project development. Community support along the existing rail corridor is now a key factor in determining potential station stops.

Many rural towns want to become a designated stop as the economic benefits are beginning to become visible, but rules, regulations, policies and procedures are going to have the final say with the FRA having the lion’s share of authority. There are so many moving parts and as this moves closer to fruitfulness, more ins-and-outs develop. Historically, rail stations were spaced about 50 miles apart to accommodate steam locomotives' water needs. 

While that is no longer a factor, the distance between stops still plays a role in determining feasible station locations. The basic stages of looking at potential depot stops are on the table and this is where strong community reinforcement comes into play. What amenities exist today if a depot were to be built in your town, and what is the distance from the last stop and the next regional depot?

Locally, between Sandpoint, Idaho (where the Big Sky North Corridor will meet the Empire Builder Railroad along the Hi-Line) and Missoula there are several considerations to include St. Regis in Mineral County and then Paradise, Plains and Thompson Falls in Sanders County. 

St. Regis is 57 miles from Missoula and 140 to Sandpoint.  St. Regis is the first stop going east on I-90 to travel to Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. They have lodging, restaurants, shopping, golf, fishing guides, the Hiawatha Trail in the summer and Lookout Pass for winter recreation. 

Paradise had the original depot where the two railroads merged (over Evaro Hill and along the Clark Fork River through Mineral County) and it is still standing. Antiquated, but historical and it might be available for remodeling, or dismantling and rebuilding in a different location. 

Plains and Thompson Falls are also likely as they stretch farther from Missoula closing in on Sandpoint at 96 miles for Plains with 58 miles to Missoula, and Thompson Falls at 80 miles to Missoula and 73 to Sandpoint. 

Mineral County’s inclusion as a stop is uncertain, as the route could bypass it entirely by following the path between Paradise and Missoula over Evaro Hill. 

Continued local advocacy is crucial. If Mineral County does not actively engage in planning efforts, there is a risk of being bypassed. The Authority is evaluating potential station locations, but rather than a single fixed route, multiple daily trains could allow different portions of the corridor to receive service. Final station locations will depend on demand, feasibility, and community advocacy. Local governments and stakeholders will need to make a strong case to BSPRA and the FRA.

The term "whistle stop" is still active as they are for ticketed personnel without depot facilities and only used when passengers are boarding or deboarding at that location. (This is what might work well for Drummond). The cost of purchasing property and building a depot is something serious to consider for those towns who will be campaigning for longer train stops.

The rural population has a definite say as a strong point of the return of passenger rail service is for those who need medical care in the larger markets. Twice daily trains would provide service in and return transportation on the same day eliminating the drive on two-lane roads and winter driving conditions, especially for the elderly.

Attending the webinar in the Mineral County Courthouse was Diane Magone, BSPRA Director for Mineral County, Shirley Iwata, Superior Town Council member for Ward 2, and Duane Simons, Mineral County Commissioner for the West End. 

“Personally, I support the passenger rail service return to the southern Montana route. I can foresee growth with more businesses and people in our area, Mineral County, to support this service,” Iwata said. 

Simons has been a hesitant advocate because he does not want to spend any local tax revenue on the project and this played an important part in his decision to have the county join the BSPRA when they did. It was presented to the commissioners that there would be no cost and that they could pull their membership at any time without any penalty.  

“Yes, I’m in favor of it,” he said. “I have hopes that it will happen in my lifetime. I have doubts that it will happen in my lifetime, but who knows? We have a new man at the head of our country and it might happen sooner than expected. I’d love to see a terminal in St. Regis and I’m sure everyone would love to have one in their hometown, but overall, yes, I’m in favor of it.” 

Our delegates in Helena did not see the webinar but expressed their opinions on the project. 

“I'm excited to support the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority proposals, especially the Big Sky North Coast Corridor which would pass through our area with a possible station in St. Regis, providing an economic boost to our already thriving tourism industry,” wrote Rep. Curtis Cochran, HD 90. 

“A few months ago, I was asked to speak at a Big Sky Passenger Rail meeting in Spokane,” stated Sen. Denley Loge, SD 45. “I commented that if this rail picks up momentum as it has, we have to make sure the stops, especially in Montana, need to create connections from those stops to extend service to the outlying areas to help with tourism and medical needs. St. Regis could be a very important car rental or bus connection to Glacier Park. I remember riding this southern route while I was in college. It made it a great way to travel.  I am sure we will need some sort of subsidy to bring the route up to passenger specifications like our northern Montana route.   One detail that must be considered and worked out is how important the southern route is to commerce.  We must always preserve that since freight pays the bills. Balancing passenger rail needs with existing freight operations will be a critical factor in restoring service.” 

Visit www.bigskyrail.org to stay informed and get involved in supporting passenger rail’s return.