The idea of re-establishing a southern passenger rail route across the southern half of Montana continues to gain momentum, with backers of the idea being invited to a rail conference in Missoula this spring.
The news comes this week, as momentum for the idea "gains steam" among some Montana counties. The old Amtrak route across the state's "southern route" was dropped during budget cuts in the late 1970s.
But Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier believes it's time to reconsider passenger rail service, and how to make that a possibility. After floating the idea to the support of his fellow commissioners, he discussed the proposal with other county officials during a conference in Great Falls last week.
Now, the Missoula Current reports Strohmaier is confirming a regional rail summit will happen here in Missoula in mid-April.
Strohmaier has said the first order of business is finding out which Montana counties would support the idea of forming a rail authority to pursue the concept.
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