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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Front page in Philipsburg 🚆 Thanks to the Silver State Post & Philipsburg Mail for covering our Sept. 17 Granite County conversation. Next up: Corridor ID planning to decide stations, routes and operator. bigskyrailmt.gov/news/silver-state-post-granite-county

Front-page clipping from the Sept. 23-24, 2026 Silver State Post & Philipsburg Mail. Headline: "Rail authority outlines route, station, service proposals for Granite," by Luke Ulatowski. Photo shows BSPRA Chair Dave Strohmaier presenting at the Philipsburg Public Library.

Page 2 continuation of the Silver State Post & Philipsburg Mail article, headed "BSPRA, From page 1," covering Strohmaier's remarks on common questions about the project and how residents in different states respond to passenger rail.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Moving people and goods across the Greater Northwest takes coordination. Freight + passenger rail. Ports and shippers. Communities. Workforce. Infrastructure. Federal investment.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🚆 A terrific milestone for passenger rail in the Greater Northwest: on Sept. 30, Amtrak Cascades becomes the first route in the nation to launch the new Airo fleet. Modern, accessible trains and a big moment for the Pacific Northwest. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/09/18/n... #AmtrakAiro

washingtonstatestandard.com

Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet • Washington State Standard

Amtrak’s sleek, amenity-packed new trains will debut on the Cascades intercity route in Washington and Oregon on Sept. 30.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Passenger rail takes partnerships. Thank you to the businesses and organizations whose support helps advance BSPRA’s work and helped make the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit possible. Your investment helps bring people and communities across the Greater Northwest together around passenger rail.

Graphic thanking supporters of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit. Supporters shown include NAPRO, Northern Hotel, Xanterra Travel Collection, NorthWestern Energy, BNSF Railway, Visit Southwest Montana, Montana’s Yellowstone Country, The Montana Club, Intrepid Credit Union, Western Montana’s Glacier Country, Republic Services, Clearwater Credit Union, Hennebery Eddy, Montana Associated Technology Roundtables, Stifel, Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Helena Montana, Grizzly Disposal & Recycling, Dick Anderson Construction, Historic Townsend Hardware, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, WGM Group, Element Bozeman, Flowforms, DJ&A, and Western Skies Strategies.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Tonight in Philipsburg: Join us at 6 p.m. at the Philipsburg Public Library for a community conversation about restoring passenger rail service and what it could mean for Granite County and surrounding communities. Bring your questions and ideas—we want to hear from you. 🚆

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Twenty-five years after 9/11, remembrance also asks us to understand what followed: wars, sweeping security changes, anti-Muslim prejudice and lasting illness among survivors, first responders and recovery workers.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Philipsburg and Granite County, we’d like to hear from you. 🚆 Join BSPRA Chair Dave Strohmaier and Granite County Director Charlene Bucha for a community conversation about restoring passenger rail across southern Montana. 📅 Sept. 17 | 6 PM 📍 Philipsburg Public Library

Event flyer for a Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Community Conversation in Philipsburg, Montana, Thursday, September 17 at 6 PM at the Philipsburg Public Library. BSPRA Chair Dave Strohmaier and Granite County Director Charlene Bucha will discuss efforts to restore passenger rail across southern Montana and hear questions and perspectives from the community.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Railroads don’t run without people. This Labor Day, we celebrate those who build, operate and maintain them, and the next generation preparing to carry that work forward. BSPRA is proud to support the future rail workforce through a CRISI initiative.

Rail workers wearing orange safety vests stand between an Amtrak passenger train and another railcar inside a maintenance facility. One worker points toward the front of the Amtrak train while another stands alongside it.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

It takes local champions to bring back passenger rail across 2,300 miles. David Steele, BSPRA's 2026 Volunteer of the Year, has connected us with ND leaders and helped build support for rail through Jamestown. Congrats, David! www.jamestownsun.com/news/local/d...

jamestownsun.com

David Steele receives BSPRA 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award

Jamestown City Councilman David Steele was one of two recipients for the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority's 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Passenger rail expansion just gained a new seat at the Amtrak board table. Amtrak has created a System Expansion Committee focused on turning demand for more passenger rail into new and expanded service nationwide. New System Expansion Committee: media.amtrak.com/2026/09/amtr...

media.amtrak.com

Amtrak Board Establishes System Expansion Committee to Advance Passenger Rail Growth - Amtrak Media

Committee will help guide new routes, additional frequencies, and strategic investments across the Amtrak network WASHINGTON – Following recent

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

New coverage from the Missoulian on where the Big Sky North Coast Corridor stands after the Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena, reported by Griffen Smith. Republished with permission. Photo by Justin Franz, Flathead Beacon. bigskyrailmt.gov/news/montana...

"Screenshot of Missoulian newspaper article headlined 'Montana passenger rail hits delays, but officials say future looks bright,' by Griffen Smith, Aug 31, 2026. Photo of Amtrak's Empire Builder train near Glacier National Park by Justin Franz, Flathead Beacon."

"Continuation of Missoulian article 'Montana passenger rail hits delays, but officials say future looks bright,' by Griffen Smith, including quotes from Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority officials and reporter bio."

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

One of the most consequential conversations at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit: sustaining passenger rail development long-term.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Federal support for long-distance passenger rail was a major topic at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit. Jordan Hansen of the @dailymontanan.com reports on Sen. Tim Sheehy’s support for the Big Sky North Coast Corridor and bipartisan legislation to remove federal match barriers.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Thank you to U.S. Senator Steve Daines for sharing a message with participants at the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena. youtu.be/1JLEt5xcvxE?...

youtu.be

Senator Steve Daines | 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit

YouTube video by Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Day 3 of #GNWRS2026 in Helena. Today: a keynote from Karen Hedlund (STB), a Regional Rail Collaboration panel, and a fireside chat with BNSF, Union Pacific, and Amtrak on investing in rail. Recaps coming soon: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-bspra-annual-meeting

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

“America’s Great Corridors of Commerce” at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit brought together USDOT’s Michael Giordano and Michael Rutherford and Build America Bureau’s Will Resch.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomes participants to the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena. The future of passenger rail and regional connectivity doesn’t stop at state lines. Governor Polis adds another perspective to the conversation. Watch his remarks: youtu.be/ApenYgH6yXI

youtu.be

Greater NW Rail Summit Polis

YouTube video by Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomes participants to the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena. The future of passenger rail and regional connectivity doesn’t stop at state lines. Governor Polis adds another Western perspective to the conversation. Watch his remarks: youtu.be/ApenYgH6yXI

youtu.be

Greater NW Rail Summit Polis

YouTube video by Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, who represents Helena and Montana’s 2nd Congressional District, welcomes participants to the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit. Watch his remarks from Helena: youtu.be/G6xvsr3moN4

youtu.be

U.S. Rep. Troy Downing | 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit

YouTube video by Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

North Dakota is at the table in Helena. Jamestown Councilman David Steele joins representatives from Bismarck and Dickinson at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit. Gov. Kelly Armstrong is welcoming Summit participants by video. www.jamestownsun.com/news/local/d...

jamestownsun.com

David Steele to attend 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit

The summit will highlight ongoing work to restore passenger rail service along the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Helena is planning for the future. Passenger rail is an important part of it. BSPRA is encouraging the Greater Helena MPO to preserve opportunities for future passenger rail as it develops its Long Range Transportation Plan. Read our submission: bigskyrailmt.gov/regional-rai...

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

We’re on our way to Helena. The 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit begins tomorrow, bringing together leaders from across the region to advance passenger and freight rail, infrastructure investment and stronger connections across the Greater Northwest.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

The 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit is taking on some of the hardest questions facing transportation in the region: rural mobility, accessibility, Tribal needs, workforce, tourism, freight and passenger rail coordination, and stronger connections beyond the Northwest.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Be part of the conversations shaping the future of rail across the Greater Northwest. 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit Aug. 25–27 | Helena, Montana Join us in Helena or virtually: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b...

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

How are public-private partnerships shaping the future of rail? Hear from BNSF, Union Pacific & Amtrak leadership at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit as they discuss investments in safety, capacity and efficiency. Aug. 25–27 | Helena Register: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b...

Promotional graphic for the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit featuring the session “Collaborative Investment in the Rail Industry: A Fireside Chat with Class I Railroads,” scheduled for August 27, 2026. The design includes Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator logos over a blurred image of a train interior.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Great news for Montana rail: the Havre Terminal Passenger and Freight Efficiency Project has been selected for up to $40.8M in federal funding.

Graphic for the Havre, Montana Terminal Passenger and Freight Efficiency Project. The Amtrak, Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and BNSF Railway partnership will add approximately six miles of second mainline track near Havre and Lohman to reduce passenger and freight rail bottlenecks. The $51 million project includes up to $40.8 million in federal funding and a $10.2 million non-federal match. The graphic highlights safety, reliability, efficiency, economic development and connectivity benefits.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Passenger rail leaders and partners from across the greater Northwest are coming to Helena Aug. 25–27 for the Greater Northwest Rail Summit and BSPRA Annual Conference. Learn more & register: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b...

youtu.be

Greater Northwest Rail Summit and BSPRA Annual Conference - Helena 2026

YouTube video by Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Passenger rail doesn’t begin or end at the depot. BSPRA Government Partner Mountain Line has broken ground on a new $76M operations center near Missoula Montana Airport. Strong local transit connections will matter as we plan the Big Sky North Coast Corridor. newstalkkgvo.com/missoula-tra...

newstalkkgvo.com

Mountain Line Breaks Ground On A $76M Bus Facility Near Missoula's Airport

Mountain Line broke ground on a new $76M bus operations center near Missoula's airport. The 18.5-acre site will handle everything from charging electric buses to storing the fleet, and it should be op...

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

The next federal surface transportation bill could shape passenger rail, freight and infrastructure investment for years. Rebecca Higgins of the Eno Center will discuss what it could mean for the Greater Northwest at the Rail Summit. Aug 25–27 | Helena bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b...

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

We rebuilt our FAQ page. It's now organized by topic (Governance, Empire Builder, Corridor ID, Funding, and more) and includes a new Myths & Facts section tackling common misconceptions about our 2,300-mile, 8-state corridor. bigskyrailmt.gov/faqs #BigSkyRail

"Map showing the proposed Big Sky North Coast Corridor passenger rail route from Seattle and Portland through Montana to Fargo, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Chicago."

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

In 2012, the Port of Northern Montana helped launch the Great Northern Corridor Coalition with Montana DOT, BNSF Railway, and other partners, taking a corridor-wide approach to strengthening rail infrastructure from Seattle to Chicago.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

On August 3rd, the City of Helena proclaimed "Passenger Rail Day," honoring a history that runs deep. The first locomotive arrived in Helena on June 13, 1883.

"Scanned City of Helena proclamation declaring August 3, 2026 'Passenger Rail Day,' signed by Mayor Emily Dean and attested by Clerk Dannai Clayborn, citing Helena's 1883 rail history and BSPRA's work on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor."

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Transportation Policy Board has joined the growing list of organizations supporting S.3728, the Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act.

Official June 15, 2026 letter from the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments Transportation Policy Board to congressional leadership expressing support for S.3728, the Long-Distance Corridor Relief Enhancement Act.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

A Jamestown City Councilman called a radio show. A former U.S. Senator answered. On KFGO's News & Views, Heidi Heitkamp responded to BSPRA's Governance Committee member and citizen volunteer, David Steele, about restoring passenger rail along the North Coast Hiawatha now referred to as BSNCC.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Representing Montana on the national stage. While attending the National Association of Counties (#NACo2026) as a Missoula County Commissioner, BSPRA Chair Dave Strohmaier participated in policy discussions with county leaders from across the country.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

The 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit brings together leaders from across the U.S. and Canada to discuss the future of passenger rail, freight rail, economic development, tourism, and regional connectivity. 📍 Helena, Montana 📅 August 25–27 Register: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b...

2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit promotional poster featuring the Montana State Capitol and a three-day agenda. The Summit will be held August 25–27, 2026, in Helena, Montana, and will bring together transportation leaders, policymakers, industry experts, Tribal representatives, and community partners to discuss passenger rail, freight rail, regional connectivity, economic development, workforce development, and transportation policy across the Greater Northwest. Featured speakers include U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, Elaine Clegg (Amtrak Board), Dr. Meg Ann Traci (University of Montana Rural Institute), Rebecca Higgins (Eno Center for Transportation), and Sean Jeans-Gail (Rail Passengers Association). The poster includes a QR code linking to registration.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

How do communities prepare for future passenger rail? They start planning before the first train arrives. Madison's Passenger Rail Station Study demonstrates how thoughtful planning can strengthen multimodal connections, improve accessibility, and support long-term economic development.

Image 1: Overview of the Madison Passenger Rail Station Study describing how communities prepare for future passenger rail through station planning, multimodal connections, accessibility, and economic development.

Image 2: Summary of the Madison Passenger Rail Station Study showing corridor evaluation, station site analysis, recommended locations, and next steps.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit, Aug 25–27 in Helena, MT. Join transportation leaders, officials, and regional partners for three days on the future of passenger & freight rail. Register: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b... #BigSkyRail #PNWER #Railway #TrainTravel

bigskyrailmt.gov

2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit & BSPRA Annual Conference — Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

BSPRA Board Meeting: Wednesday, July 8, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT, virtually via Microsoft Teams. On the agenda: Corridor ID update BSPRA 2027 preliminary budget presentation PNWER-RIA and CRISI grant updates Join: bigskyrailmt.gov/upcoming-meetings/jpsaw-obeel8tkytzststxhb9f-zhlx8

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Theodore Roosevelt arrived by train. This week, history did it again. Today, the @trpl.bsky.social officially opens in Medora on America’s 250th birthday.

Red, white, and blue BNSF America 250 locomotives pulling a passenger train through the North Dakota Badlands near Medora during Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication events.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Passenger rail continues to be part of Montana's statewide transportation conversation. News From The States highlights a statewide survey showing passenger rail was the transportation option Montanans were most interested in using. www.newsfromthestates.com/article/surv...

newsfromthestates.com

Survey shows Montanans interested in more public transit

Some Montana legislators want to expand state funding for public transportation projects and a recent public survey that came as part of a legislative study bill, shows support in communities for incr...

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The 2025 Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Annual Report is now available. Read about progress on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, federal planning, partnerships, legislative engagement, workforce development and community outreach. Read the report: simplebooklet.com/bspra2025ann...

Annual report page introducing the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, with a route map and summary information about BSPRA’s effort to restore passenger rail service across southern Montana and the Greater Northwest.

Annual report page titled “Federal Legislative Engagement,” with text about BSPRA’s 2025 federal advocacy, photos from Capitol Hill visits, and a photo of the Amtrak station and James J. Hill statue in Havre, Montana.

Annual report page titled “2026 Looking Ahead,” with text about the coming year, the Greater Northwest Rail Summit in Helena, BSPRA’s fifth anniversary and future federal planning work. The page includes photos of the Montana State Capitol and Montana Heritage Center in Helena.

Annual report acknowledgments page thanking local governments, Tribal Nations, transportation partners, business and organization partners, community leaders, volunteers and advocates. The page includes a collage of photos from BSPRA events and community gatherings.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit and BSPRA Annual Conference. August 25–27, 2026 Helena, Montana Co-hosted by BSPRA and the PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator. Learn more and register: bigskyrailmt.gov/2026-gnwrs-b... #PassengerRail #BigSkyRail #Montana

Graphic announcing the 2026 Greater Northwest Rail Summit and BSPRA Annual Conference, August 25–27, 2026, in Helena, Montana, with an image of the Montana State Capitol.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

BNSF Railway’s America 250 locomotive rolled through Missoula this week. Rail continues to connect communities, economies and stories across Montana and the Greater Northwest. Video and photos courtesy of Commissioner Dave Strohmaier. #BigSkyRail #BNSF #America250 #PassengerRail

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Rail helped make a big country feel connected. The whistle-stop tradition reminds us that passenger rail has always been about more than transportation. It connects communities, civic life and public institutions across long distances. That lesson holds true now!

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Looking for a Father’s Day, graduation or summer travel gift? The BSPRA shop includes official merchandise, Empire Builder items available with gratitude to artist Michael Schwab and Greater Northwest rail gifts created especially for BSPRA by Xplorer Maps. bigskyrailmt.gov/shop

Empire Builder merchandise including a mug, shirt, glass and puzzle featuring artwork by Michael Schwab.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Baseball cap

Greater Northwest Passenger Rail Map Collection graphic showing map-themed gifts created for BSPRA by Xplorer Maps.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Borealis is proof of demand. Amtrak’s Borealis has carried more than 416,000 passengers since launching in '24. Corridor ridership now approaches 1.8 million annually. When service is useful and connected to where people need to go, people use it. www.progressiverailroading.com/amtrak/news/...

progressiverailroading.com

Rail News - Amtrak's Borealis surpasses expectations for second year. For Railroad Career Professionals

Progressive Railroading Daily News

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Congratulations to Mountain Line and the Missoula Urban Transportation District on being named the 2026 Large Community Transportation System of the Year by the Community Transportation Association of America

Photo of a 2026 Community Transportation Association of America award recognizing Mountain Line in Missoula, Montana as Community Transportation System of the Year, Large System.

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Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority @bigskyrail.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Today, we remember. 🇺🇸 This historic photograph captures "Butte’s Second Splendid Quota" of 317 men on September 29, 1917, just moments before boarding passenger trains to serve in WWI.

A historic wide panoramic black-and-white photograph from September 29, 1917, showing a massive crowd of 317 men standing closely together on the steps of a building in Butte, Montana. Two large American flags are visible within the crowd. Handwritten text across the bottom of the photo reads: "Butte's Second Splendid Quota of 317 - Sent to the National Army - Sept. 29, 1917."

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