Belgrade Joins Push to Restore Montana Passenger Rail Service

BELGRADE — The City of Belgrade has joined the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s Government Partners Program, adding to a coalition of Montana communities working to restore long-distance passenger rail service across the Northern Rockies and Plains.

The partnership makes Belgrade part of an effort to reestablish Amtrak’s former North Coast Hiawatha route, which served Montana until it was discontinued in 1979. The initiative operates under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.

“We’re proud to partner with BSPRA and contribute to the growing momentum behind the Big Sky North Coast Corridor,” said Neil Cardwell, Belgrade City Manager. “Passenger rail offers lasting economic and mobility benefits for our community, and we’re excited to help shape the future of this corridor.”

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is a multijurisdictional government agency representing counties, cities, and tribes across Montana. Formed in 2020, the authority is working to restore the passenger rail service through the federal Corridor ID Program, which focuses on public engagement, technical planning, and long-term economic development.

The authority is funding its efforts primarily through a $500,000 planning grant awarded under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program, created by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This grant supports route planning, cost estimates, and service development for restoring Amtrak’s North Coast Hiawatha line across southern Montana.

To access larger federal grants in the future, the authority must secure matching funds—an effort that included supporting a bill in the 2025 Montana Legislature to dedicate a portion of the state’s railroad car tax, though that measure fell short in the Senate.

Dave Strohmaier, chair of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, said Belgrade’s participation strengthens the coalition.

“As a fast-growing hub at the crossroads of air, rail, and highway infrastructure, their participation strengthens our coalition and demonstrates what’s possible when Montana communities lead with vision and collaboration,” Strohmaier said.

Belgrade will participate in an upcoming Government Partners Meeting, which will bring together jurisdictions from across the corridor to discuss next steps in the Corridor ID process and station planning.

The original North Coast Hiawatha route connected Chicago to Seattle, passing through Montana communities including Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula. The route was eliminated as part of budget cuts to Amtrak’s long-distance service in 1979.

Belgrade is located in the Gallatin Valley and is one of Montana’s fastest-growing cities. The city is positioned near Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and Interstate 90, making it a regional transportation hub.

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s Government Partners Program includes multiple Montana jurisdictions working on the rail restoration effort. The authority is actively engaged in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID Program, which provides a framework for developing new passenger rail corridors.