DETAILS

We invite you to attend the 2024 Annual Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Conference in beautiful Missoula - the Garden City of Montana. Updates from the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and industry leaders will be featured, along with keynote addresses from FRA Deputy Administrator Jennifer Mitchell and Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews. Exciting news about the North Coast Hiawatha route, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and the region's rail renaissance will be shared. Conference meetings will be at the Missoula Public Library. Attendance is free, but meals must be purchased. Live-streaming services will be provided. CONFERENCE AGENDA June 6th 5:00 p.m. Welcome Reception: Residence Inn (Free) June 7th Missoula Public Library 8:30 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks 8:55 a.m. State of BSPRA - Dave Strohmaier 9:10 a.m. Partner Recognition 9:30 a.m. FRA updates - Lyle Leitelt, Chief of Project Planning Division FRA, and Katie List, Community Planner, Office of Railroad Development (FRA) | Long-Distance Study | Corridor ID Program 10:30 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. Hydrogen & Rail: Generating Sustainable Development 12:00 p.m. Lunch Program & Founders Award | Keynote Address - FRA Deputy Administrator, Jennifer Mitchell 1:00 p.m. Engaging Rural and Tribal Communities in the Development of Passenger Rail - Lessons Learned 1:30 p.m. BSPRA Board Business Meeting 1:45 p.m. Break 2:00 p.m. Revitalizing Communities & Creating Opportunities - Jim Mathews, President & CEO of Rail Passengers Association & Bruce Agnew, Director of PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator 3:00 p.m. END Post Conference Session Missoula Public Library, Blackfoot Room (Board Members) 3:15 p.m. Board Engagement Need assistance? Please email Maggie Tupper at mtupper@bigskyrail.org Conference Banquet-SOLD OUT 6:00 p.m. Payne Native American Center, University of Montana, Keynote - Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs (USDOT)