12/9/23

Democrats applaud as Front Range, Big Sky, AZDOT get a little money for passenger rail studies

A half million dollars each ain't much but it keeps at least two Rocky Mountain passenger rail dreams alive.

Rail service could return to Colorado's Yampa Valley as that state's Department of Transportation partners with the Front Range Passenger Rail District on planning routes from Pueblo, through Denver, to Fort Collins and ultimately to Wyoming and New Mexico.
"Front Range Passenger Rail will modernize our transit system, save people money, and support jobs and housing across our state,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “I applaud the Department of Transportation and the Biden administration for securing and providing this funding, and for recognizing the need for this service and the promise to get it done soon.” [Feds accept Colorado’s Front Range rail project into key grant program]
 With help from Democratic Senator Jon Tester the Big Sky Rail Authority, twenty Montana counties and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai, Northern Cheyenne and Apsáalooke Nations are closer to bringing the former North Coast Hiawatha to life. The Authority hopes to restore passenger rail across southern Montana from North Dakota to Idaho and include some 47 stops in seven states.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester praised the award in a press release. “I fought hard to ensure that we invested in renewed Amtrak service, and I can’t think of a better place to explore than the North Coast Hiawatha route. I was proud to help secure this funding and designation that will help fuel the next stage of the project, and I look forward to working with the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to make their vision a reality.” [White House awards $500k to Southern Montana Amtrak Route]
The Rio Metro Regional Transit District has just rolled out satellite WiFi for riders of the New Mexico Rail Runner. 

Cheyenne, Wyoming is on board with Front Range passenger rail and All Aboard Arizona says passenger rail between Phoenix and Tucson is closer than ever, too.
Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., announced this week that the Arizona Department of Transportation would receive $500,000 to begin planning for a passenger rail corridor that links Amtrak’s existing line, which runs through Tucson, to the Phoenix metro area. [Federal money announced to help bring passenger rail back to the Phoenix area]
ip image: the Alvarado Transportation Center graces downtown Albuquerque. 

Learn more at the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
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