Residents are invited to attend a special presentation on Tuesday, March 3, to learn more about the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and what it could mean for our community.

Diane Magone, Mineral County Director for the BSPRA, has arranged for the presentation to be given to the county commissioners and the public beginning at 12:15 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room.

“The focus of the discussion will be on what connecting services we could offer if passenger rail comes through our county,” Magone explained. “We’ll be talking about transportation to recreational activities like Lookout Pass, the Route of the Hiawatha Trail, our mountain lakes, biking and hiking trails, as well as shopping, dining, and other amenities that would appeal to travelers arriving by train.”

Dan Bucks, who serves on the BSPRA Governance Committee, will also speak. He emphasized that there may be more than one way to bring rail service to Mineral County. 

“Keep in mind that there could be more than one way to bring rail into Mineral County — not simply by routing the main line through,” Bucks said. “There are commuter-style rail options possible on both the Mineral County side and the Missoula/Lake County side of what we might call the DeSmet/Paradise loop. And, of course, bus or shuttle connections are also possible.” 

DeSmet is where the BNSF Railway mainline splits just west of Missoula.

Bucks is expected to provide an update on the planning process, including an explanation of the federal Corridor ID Program and how it positions the BSPRA to pursue a full transportation grant to move the project forward. He will also share background on the history of the Authority and answer questions from attendees. 

The presentation is strategically scheduled between two regularly scheduled public meetings: the Mineral County Resource Coalition (10 a.m. to noon) and the Mineral County Economic Development Committee (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.). Both groups recognize the potential importance of passenger rail to Mineral County’s future.

“Any economic development in Mineral County is important to the Mineral County Economic Development Corporation, whether short term or long term,” said Sharon Patterson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Mineral County Economic Development Committee. “A possible stop in St. Regis could provide a boost to the tourism that is already such a vital part of the economy in St. Regis and the West End of the county. We can envision growth in existing businesses as well as opportunities for new businesses.”

The stop in St. Regis is only speculative at this point, but community input is an important part of the discussion moving forward. Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more about the proposal, and share their thoughts.