Committee rejects $1.5 million state match for Big Sky Passenger Rail planning

The Montana House Appropriations Committee rejected an amendment to provide $1.5 million in general fund matching money to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority for planning and to unlock $13.5 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act funds earmarked for the project.

Representative Betsy Powers offered the amendment during executive action on House Bill 2 as an OTO general-fund match that she said would fund phase-two planning — route studies, connection points and stop development — for a proposed passenger rail line across southern Montana. Powers told the committee the authority already had a board and county participation and that the federal funds were contingent on a state match.

Opponents questioned whether passenger rail would deliver meaningful local economic benefits and whether state general fund dollars should be used to support construction or planning of a rail service on tracks owned and operated by private railroads. Representative Schellinger said passenger rail in the U.S. has historically been a “constant loser” financially and that Montana should be cautious. Several members called the proposal impractical and questioned prior county-level activity and the authority’s prior funding sources.

Representative Powers argued that communities along the southern route could gain tourism benefits if a stop allowed visitors to disembark, stay overnight and visit local businesses. She cited a brochure showing counties that had joined the rail authority and noted the federal funds were already earmarked but required a match.

On roll call, the amendment failed 10 yes, 13 no. Several committee members said the question of inspector funding for rail safety (addressed elsewhere) and other rail-related needs must be considered separately.

Ending: The committee completed Section C and moved on to Section D business.