The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority's mission is: To provide for the reestablishment of safe, reliable, and sustainable passenger rail service across southern Montana that increases opportunity and contributes to the health and well-being of people across the state and beyond.

Mayor and Council: 

I hope this message finds you well. First off, I want to provide you with a copy of our inaugural 2023 Annual Report which sums up the rail authority’s accomplishments over the past few years. Also, I’m pleased to let you know that at a recent stakeholder workshop for the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Study we learned that the FRA is currently evaluating route segments from Denver to Billings, which is a big deal for Montana (see image below), and is something that is a direct result of BSPRA’s advocacy.


In addition, I just wanted to touch bases on two final items:

1. Did the $6,000 appropriation for BSPRA that we discussed some time back get included in Billing’s FY 24 budget? If so, shall we send an invoice (both Bozeman and Missoula will be contributing at this level in FY 24).
2. Is it still possible, Bill, to get a letter of support from you along the lines of our earlier correspondence?

As you likely know, our main office for the rail authority is now in Billings, as Western Skies Strategies is serving at the rail authority’s executive management firm. 

Best,  Dave Strohmaier, Chair Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

City Council may:

• Approve; or,
• Not Approve

$6,000 to be paid from the Council Contingency line item.  The account has a balance of $15,000.