BSPRA 2024 Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

ABOUT THIS REPORTSupport BSPRA’s mission to restore passenger rail service across southernMontana by taking direct action. There are many ways you can contribute toour efforts. Visit www.bigskyrailmt.gov and explore the 'Get Involved' menuat the top of the homepage to discover how you can make an impact.Whether you choose to join our mailing list for the latest updates, volunteeryour time, shop our collection of unique merchandise (with all proceedssupporting our work), or make a direct donation, your involvement helps usmove closer to our goals. Visit today and find the option that’s right for you.David Simmons of UBU Music and JK Simmons composed and sang this original composition,"All Aboard Montana" for BSPRA !

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Chairman'sMessageGreetings to our supporters and partners,This past year has been a pivotal one for the Big SkyPassenger Rail Authority. Together, we’ve made remarkablestrides in advancing our vision of revitalizing passenger railservice across southern Montana and the greater Northwestregion. As we reflect on these accomplishments, I am deeplygrateful for the support of our communities, partners, anddedicated volunteers.In June, we held our annual meeting in Missoula, preceded by the FRA’s Long-Distance Service Study meeting. Thissequence of events underscored the importance of regional connectivity and reaffirmed our commitment to revitalizing railservice across our corridor. Our participation in the Governor’s Tourism Conference and other key national and regionalengagements, including the Greater Northwest Rail Summit, highlighted our dedication to sustainable transportationsolutions. Additionally, a visit to Pueblo to examine hydrogen-powered locomotives demonstrated our forward-lookingapproach to advanced rail technology.One of the year’s most significant achievements was the Corridor ID Award, a cornerstone in our mission to develop the BigSky North Coast Corridor. Through collaboration with David Evans & Associates and team, we are making steady progresstoward restoring a historic route that will link communities from Montana to the broader Northwest.Our network of partnerships has also expanded, with new government partners joining us, including Helena and Billings inMontana, as well as Dickinson, Jamestown, and Bismarck in North Dakota. The AFL-CIO also now serves as an ex officiomember of our board. Furthermore, through a recent grant awarded in collaboration with the Western TransportationInstitute, we are actively preparing future rail workers for employment opportunities in this revived industry. And as thisreport goes to press, we just learned that the Big Sky North Coast Corridor was one of the 15 preferred routesrecommended to Congress in the Amtrak Long-Distance Service Study. This is a really big deal for us. As we look ahead, I am confident that the steps we have taken this year will lay a strong foundation for futureachievements. I invite you to stay engaged with BSPRA, advocate for our cause, and join us in our journey to transform railconnectivity across our region. Together, we are building a legacy of accessible, reliable, and resilient passenger rail service.All aboard!Sincerely,Dave StrohmaierBSPRA Board Chair

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It is truly an honor to reflect on our journey, celebrate ourachievements, and look forward to the exciting path ahead. As theExecutive Director of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, I amproud to share our progress and vision as we continue building onour collective success. ExecutiveDirector’smessageFrom our early meetings in Lewistown in 2021 to where we stand today, we have turned aspirational visions into concreteaccomplishments. Our mission is no longer a distant goal but a reality we deliver upon every day. The engagement andcommitment we have seen across the board and committees have allowed us to tackle complex challenges while ensuringsteady progress.Based in the heart of the rail district in Billings, Montana, our operations reflect the strength and versatility required toadvance our mission. Participation from counties, cities, and towns across Montana has been truly inspiring. Localgovernments and communities are engaged, and the impact of this collaboration will be felt for generations.Organizational sustainability is at the heart of our operations. Member contributions, partnerships, and fundraising effortshave strengthened our financial position. Looking ahead, we are poised for significant progress. With major grants andinitiatives, we will advance infrastructure, station planning, and rail development. The Corridor ID process will allow us toidentify priorities and engage communities. To those wondering, "Is our town getting a station?" "What does the future hold?"—your voices will guide these decisions.Let’s not lose sight of how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve together. The road ahead is ambitious, but withcontinued engagement and support, we will keep this momentum on track. Together, we are rebuilding connections,strengthening communities, and shaping the future of rail transportation in Montana.Let’s keep moving forward!Sincerely,Jess PetersonBSPRA Executive Director

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Pint NightsAnnual conferenceThe BSPRA Annual Meeting in Missoula, "Revitalizing Communities andBuilding Sustainable Economies”, marked over three years of progress. Themeeting was preceded by the Federal Railroad Administration’s Amtrak Long-Distance Service Study meeting in Missoula, highlighting passenger rail's rolein community revitalization and economic growth.These were great opportunities to meet and discuss the efforts of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority andthe Big Sky North Coast Corridor (formerly known as the North Coast Hiawatha) with BSPRA Vice Chairman,Jason Stuart in Dawson County and Wibaux County, respectively.BSPRA’s mission was reinforced by industry and community leaders who sharedinnovative ideas including hydrogen fuel cell technology, advancing sustainable railsystems. Passenger rail isn’t JUST about transportation - it drives economic growth,connets communtiies and improves quality of life.

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Corridor Identification &Development ProgramThe Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) was awarded a $500,000 planning grant through theFederal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program,positioning the Big Sky North Coast Corridor as a leading candidate in the nationwide effort toexpand passenger rail. Since securing this grant, BSPRA has been actively engaging with state andlocal governments, transportation agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure that thecorridor’s development reflects regional needs. Public meetings and outreach efforts have beeninstrumental in shaping a Service Development Plan, with community feedback playing a centralrole in defining the project’s future.Beyond the technical planning, this initiative is deeply rooted in the communities it will serve. Manytowns along the proposed route share a rich history with passenger rail—places where trainservice was once a lifeline. For them, the return of the Big Sky North Coast Corridor representsmore than just improved mobility; it’s about reconnecting communities, restoring economicopportunities, and rekindling the stories that define their past and future.

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Inaugural Founders AwardThe BSPRA introduced its inaugural Founders Award onJune 7, 2024, to honor the three legislators whopioneered House Bill 541 during Montana’s 1993legislative session. This bill authorized the creation ofregional rail authorities, forming the foundation forBSPRA’s mission today. Representative Linda Nelson,who introduced HB 541, was honored alongside co-sponsors Senators Mike Halligan and Dennis Nathe(posthumously).Senator Mike Halligan, pictured with ChairmanStrohmaier at the June 7th BSPRA Annual Meeting,served in the Montana State Senate from 1980 to2001, where he chaired various committees andwas minority leader in 1995 and 1997. He hassince continued his public service as ExecutiveDirector of the Dennis and Phyllis WashingtonFoundation, a roll from which he recently retired. Thanks to the vision of these legislative leaders, BSPRA ispoised to revitalize rail infrastructure across Montana,especially in the Southeast, transforming dormant tracksand stations into vital community assets. The FoundersAward is a tribute to their lasting impact on Montana’srail future. Senator Nathe, who passed away in 1993,was recognized posthumously through his family. Montana State Representative Denise Baum (House District 47) expressed her appreciation, noting, “I amabsolutely thrilled that Big Sky Passenger Rail took the initiative to honor the foundation of their journey andthe individuals who enabled this progress. Good bipartisan legislation has impacts that resonate forgenerations." “Thank you for honoring me, Senator Nathe and Representative Nelson with the inaugural Big Sky PassengerRail Authority Founders Award for the passage of HB 541! It’s a great example of bi-partisan legislation tobenefit all of Montana by allowing the creation of regional rail authorities. I was honored to partner with themto pass such visionary legislation to address the critical transportation needs of Montanans across the state.”Mike Halligan“What an honor it is to be the recipient of commendationfor legislation I carried roughly 30 years ago! I wasrelieved to get a copy of the testimony to refresh mymemory, and I must say it was well done. I can onlyassume that I (and Senator Nathe), were asked to carryHB 541 as evidence that Northern Montana wassupporting Southern Montana in getting rail service. Ofcourse, Sen. Halligan was on board to represent his area.It’s truly exciting to see that is finally moving forward. Godspeed as you go forward.” Linda J Nelson (MT House1989-94, MT Senate 1995-2005)

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$6.5M Grant Fuels Rail Workforce DevelopmentBuilding the Rail Workforce of Tomorrow - Montana State University's WesternTransportation Institute (WTI) received a $6.5 million grant from the Federal RailroadAdministration's (FRA) CRISI Program to fuel workforce development in the railindustry. Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) joins WTI, The University ofMemphis and Cal State Long Beach, to identify regional workforce needs anddevelop training strategies. As BSPRA Chairman Dave Strohmeier put it, "This CRISIgrant will help us as a region and nation build the rail workforce of the future.”FRA Official Praises Montana's Rail VisionFRA Deputy Administrator Jennifer Mitchell expressed excitementabout Montana’s enthusiasm for passenger rail during her keynote atBSPRA’s Annual Meeting in June. Highlighting the potential of theNorth Coast Hiawatha Line (now known as the Big Sky North CoastCorridor) she noted it could create jobs, generate significant economicimpact, and provide year-round, safe, and sustainable transportationwhile supporting healthcare, tourism, education, and commerce.North Dakota Governor Backs BSPRA’s Rail Revival EffortNorth Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has voiced strong support for BSPRA’s $500,000in seed funding to revitalize the Big Sky North Coast Corridor. This project aims torestore passenger rail service in southern North Dakota, benefiting cities like Bismarckand Fargo, while enhancing access to Medora, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, andthe future Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Governor Burgum emphasized theproject’s significant impact on regional connectivity and economic growth. He is nowU.S. Secretary of the Interior.Chairman Strohmaier and Vice Chair Jason Stuart visited Pueblo, CO to check out aStadler Rail hydrogen-powered train at Ensco's Transportation Technology Center.The visit underscores BSPRA’s commitment to exploring innovative, sustainabletransportation technologies for future rail development.BSPRA Leaders Inspect Hydrogen-Powered TrainBig Sky 55+ Endorses BSPRA Rail EffortsBig Sky 55+ has formally endorsed the BSPRA's initiatives, including reintroducing the NorthCoast Hiawatha and expanding rail service across Montana. Citing the benefits ofsustainable, accessible transportation, the resolution highlights rail's potential to revitalizerural communities, connect residents to vital services, and align with goals to transitionaway from fossil fuels.Highlights

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Montana AFL-CIO Joins BSPRA The Montana AFL-CIO, through District 19 IAMAW, has joined the BSPRA as an exofficio member, with John Denny serving as its representative. A Montana native andexperienced labor leader, Denny brings extensive expertise in railway labor relations,coalition building, and contract negotiations, bolstering BSPRA’s efforts to advanceregional rail initiatives.Chairman Dave Strohmaier and Vice Chairman Jason Stuart attended the MontanaGovernors Conference on Tourism in Missoula. Local municipalities, Tourism andEconomic Development Councils across the Treasure State discussed plans to growMontana's economy. GOVERNORS TOURISM CONFERENCEBSPRA SPONSORS, PARTICIPATES in GREATER NORTHWEST RAIL SUMMITOur panels: Renaissance for Passenger RailAcross America, Knitting Together a Multi-State Rail Corridor and Passenger Rail as aHealthcare Lifeline. BSPRA’s Dan Bucks ,Martin Charlo (CSKT Tribe) Luella Brien (CrowTribe) contributed to discussions aboutstrengthening regional rail connections andbuilding sustainable transportation networks.BSPRA Sponsors & Participates in Greater Northwest Rail SummitThe BSPRA served as a sponsor and participated in several panels at the Greater Northwest Rail Summit.Notably, BSPRA’s Dan Bucks contributed to the "Knitting Communities Together" panel, engaging indiscussions about strengthening regional rail connections and building sustainable transportationnetworks.JAMESTOWN & DICKINSON JOIN BSPRA as GOVERNMENT PARTNERS Jamestown, North Dakota and Dickinson, North Dakotahave joined the BSPRA Government Partners Program,advancing regional rail efforts in North Dakota and theNorthern Plains.FRA Long-Distance Study Recommends Two New Routes for MontanaThe FRA's Long-Distance Study identifies two preferred routes that benefit Montana: the former NorthCoast Hiawatha connecting Chicago to the Pacific Northwest through southern Montana, and an El Paso-Billings route.

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BSPRA officially founded byinitial 12 member countiesFirst BSPRA boardmeetingFirst BSRPA AnnualConference held inLewistownBSPRA recognized with theNational Association of Counties2021 National AchievementAward in TransportationCongress enacts the historicBipartisan Infrastructure Law,including BSPRA’s recommendedlanguage for a federal study ofexpanding Amtrak long-distancepassenger rail service across thenation—with an emphasis onserving rural AmericaBSPRA, with regional partners, creates,organizes and hosts the first-ever GreaterNorthwest Passenger Rail Summit in Billings,bringing together federal, state, local, Tribal andhost railroad officials to discuss the restorationand improvement of passenger rail servicesacross the Greater Northwest regionJanuary 2021November 2020May 2021August 2021November 2021August 2022

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The FRA awarded BSPRA acceptance into the Corridor IDProgram for the planning and development of the formerNorth Coast Hiawatha Route (now called the Big Sky NorthCoast Corridor). Notably, this was the only former long-distance passenger rail route included in the CID program,making it the sole former Amtrak route funded forredevelopment.Federal-State Partnership Program grant., Malta Project:BSPRA, as a grant co-applicant, assisted Amtrak and BNSFRailway in securing $15 million in federal grant funds for atrack improvement project in Malta, MT. This project willimprove performance and safety for both the Amtrak EmpireBuilder passenger service and BNSF freight rail operations.The FRA released its initial Long Distance Study findings, which includedrecommendations to restore or create 15 new Amtrak long-distance routes. Two ofthese recommended routes traverse Montana: the former North Coast Hiawatha routeand a proposed new north-south route from El Paso, TX, to Billings, MT.BSPRA successfully partnered with theWestern Transportation Institute ofMontana State University to secure a$6.5 million federal CRISI grant awardfor the development of rail workforcedevelopment programs.December 2023December 2023February 2024December 2024 BSPRA AnnualReport '24

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BSPRA has launched its Government Partners Program, a platform designed to empowerpartner communities with the knowledge and resources needed to unlock the full benefitsof passenger rail for their residents. This initiative enhances BSPRA’s mission to advocatefor and develop new rail routes, ensuring the highest quality service that significantlyimproves the region’s quality of life, health, and economic prosperity. Communities such asBismarck, Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Jamestown, and Dickinson have alreadyjoined the program.BSPRA continues to make notable progress in revitalizing passenger rail service across theNorthern Plains and Rockies, with the Government Partners Program serving as a key pillarof this effort. The program actively involves local governments in shaping the future of railservices and ensuring alignment with community needs.This effort coincides with a groundbreaking opportunity: the Federal RailroadAdministration (FRA) has selected the former North Coast Hiawatha route as the first newlong-distance passenger route in the U.S. to receive planning and design funding for servicerenewal. This marks a pivotal step toward regional revitalization.BSPRA invites local leaders and stakeholders to join the Government Partners Program tocollaboratively shape the future of passenger rail in their communities. Participationensures that rail services align with local development goals, contributing to regionalgrowth, connectivity, and prosperity.Government Partners Rollout

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Current MembersMissoula Urban Transportation DistrictThree ForksLavinaWhitehallGlendive DrummondTerryHelenaThompson FallsBozemanMissoulaJamestown, NDBillingsDickinson, NDBismarck/Mandan Metropolitan Planning OrganizationObjectivesCommunity Engagement: Facilitate local involvement in planningpassenger rail services to address community-specific priorities.Knowledge Sharing: Create a “Community of Practice” for exchanging ideas and bestpractices to maximize the public benefits of rail services.Local Development: Support municipalities in leveraging rail services byrenovating or establishing train stations, fostering transit-orienteddevelopment, developing connecting transportation systems, andimplementing transportation safety initiatives.BSPRA AnnualReport '24Yakima Valey Conference of Governments

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORTLESS THAN $500$2,500+Heather Jernberg$1,000Michelle BrackettOTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONSCOUNTY MEMBERSGENERAL CONTRIBUTIONSBig Horn CountyBroadwater CountyButte-Silver Bow CountyCuster CountyDawson CountyGallatin CountyGranite CountyJefferson CountyMissoula CountyPowell CountySanders CountyCommunity GATE Dawson County EDC Dawson Tourism BID Forsyth Chamber of Commerce &Agriculture Mineral County EDC St. Regis Resort Area DistrictDavid AbramsClara BentlerRobin BiffleRichard BrussRicky ClevengerJill DeppelJon EllingsonJayme FairfieldElena GaglianoStepen GossLeo & Sarah GrahamKelli Hall Allen HartParker JonesMyrna Kintz David KlattDuncan LutesDonald McCammonKathleen McCartJacob MinertGary MolineBrady OlsonJason ParryJake PatlaArthur PettitMatt PrestonLynn Redding Jacob SimonichMartha Sturm Monte TurnerJames WadeChristopher WardKent Watson Kim WhittemoreJohn Wolverton Charlene WoodcockRichard ZakRalph Zimmer Janet ZimmermanBeaver CreekBreweryPhilipsburg BrewingCompanyCross CountryBrewing

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Total$ 128,428.00 $$ 12,500.0012,500.00 4,978.55 $ 33,121.45 $ 123.74 $ 146,030.29 $ 146,030.29 123.74 533.85589.222,144.205,538.00506.18692.00400.151,211.821,223.059,809.649,407.081,066.26 78,474.0011,934.0018,520.0019,500.00 12,500.00 Revenue365000 Contributions & Donations Total 365000 Contributions & Donations 375000.000.00000 Grants365000.000.39000 Member County Contributions365000.000.39001 Individual and Other Donations365000.000.39002 Business and Organizational Partnerships365000.000.39003 Non-Member Government Partnerships Total 375000.000.00000 Grants 380000.000.00000 Printful Sales 395000 Other Financing Sources375000.000.00015 Foundation Grants375000.000.00016 Montana Healthcare Foundation GrantTotal 375000.000.00015 Foundation Grants Total 395000 Other Financing SourcesTotal RevenueGross ProfitExpenditures430400.000.00000 General and Administrative Expenses395000.000.00001 Interest Earned Total 430400.000.00000 General and Administrative Expenses 430500.000.00000 Grant Expenses430400.000.00001 AD/Legal Publications 430400.000.00003Bank Service Charges 430400.000.00006 Dues & Memberships430400.000.00008 Liability Insurance 430400.000.00009 OfficeSupplies 430400.000.00010 Phone Basic/Microsoft Teams PhoneSystem 430400.000.00011 Postage 430400.000.00012 Printingand Copy Costs 430400.000.00013 Public Relations430400.000.00015 Software Maintenance/Support430400.000.00016 Travel Expenses 430400.000.00017 WebsiteMaintenanceBig Sky Passenger Rail AuthorityStatement of ActivityJuly 2023 - June 2024F I N A N C I A L S U M M A R YB S P R A A N N U A L R E P O R T

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“These financial statements and financial information have not been subjected to an audit or review or compilationengagement, and no assurance is provided on them. Financial statements and financial information is prepared on amodified accrual basis. Management has elected to omit substantially all of the disclosures and the statements of stockholders’ equity and cash flows required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.” Total 430500.000.00000 Grant Expenses 430600.000.00000 Services Expenses430500.701.00000 Montana Healthcare Foundation Grant Expenses430500.801.00000 Corridor ID Grant Program - Phase 1 Expenses430500.801.00003 Consulting - WSS430500.801.00007 Travel Expenses430500.801.00010 AirfareTotal 430500.801.00007 Travel ExpensesTotal 430500.801.00000 Corridor ID Grant Program - Phase 1 Expenses Total 430600.000.00000 Services Expenses430800.505.00000 Printful Charges430900.000.00000 Other Expenses430600.000.00001 Annual Conference Expenses430600.000.00003 Contracted Services430600.000.00004 Contracted Services - Executive Management430600.000.00006 Tuition and Registration Fees Total 430900.000.00000 Other ExpensesTotal ExpendituresNet Operating RevenueNet Revenue430900.000.00001 Interest Expense$ 102,643.16 4,056.90 $ 917.96 $ 6,867.96 $ 26,929.32 $ 42.64 $ 166,793.47 -$ 20,763.18 -$20,763.18 917.96 5,950.00 42.64 20,061.36 13,871.169,537.0078,000.001,235.00 F I N A N C I A L S U M M A R YB S P R A A N N U A L R E P O R T

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Interested in joining a BSPRA committee? Visitwww.bigskyrailmt.org/volunteer-signup to fill out a volunteer form. Youdon’t have to live in Montana—our volunteers come from across thecountry to support long-distance passenger rail service. Whether it’shelping your county join, assisting with fundraisers eg Pint Nights, orraising public awareness, there are many ways to get involved. Considerlending your time and talents to our mission of restoring passenger railservice to southern Montana.BSPRA COMMITTEESA great way to support BSPRA is by joining one of our committees as a citizenvolunteer. With the exception of the Executive Committee, all of our committeesinclude several citizen volunteers. Below is a brief overview of each committee, itschairman, and the work it focuses on:SIGNUP Chairman - Dan BucksDEVELOPMENT ANDSTRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT Function: creates and directs fundraisingefforts and campaignsChairman - Grant GagerGOVERNANCEFunction: drafts internal policies andproceduresChairman - Jason StuartCOMMUNICATIONS Function: leads communications andpublic outreach and event participation

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In 1962, President John F. Kennedy stood before a crowd at Rice Universityand declared: "We choose to go to the moon in this decade... not becausethey are easy, but because they are hard." That challenge defined ageneration, uniting the country behind a bold vision for the future.Today, we face another challenge—rebuilding the Big Sky North CoastCorridor and restoring passenger rail to the communities that need itmost. With conviction and political will, there is no reason we can'tachieve this within the next decade.I invite you to be part of this movement—attend our board meetings,urge elected officials to embrace a bold transportation future, and helprevitalize our communities through rail. It’s time to roll up our sleeves andmake this vision a reality. Stay connected at BigSkyRailmt.gov.BSPRA Annual Report'24Closing ThoughtsAll aboard!

BSPRA 2024 Annual Report

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