Granite County votes to reengage with Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority; seeks county representative

The Granite County Commission voted to pursue rejoining the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and to solicit letters of interest for the county’s representative.

Supporters at a public hearing said reengagement would give the county “a seat at the table” as a regional passenger-rail plan develops and could bring transportation options and economic opportunities. Resident Brenda Cast said a flag-stop depot at Drummond could ease winter driving and spur modest local economic activity. Elena Gagliano, who said she previously directed county outreach, submitted a written letter of support and urged commissioners to act.

Commissioners discussed dues and up-front mapping costs. Staff advised the commission that some counties had voluntarily requested dues (roughly in the low thousands) and that mapping or administrative expenses could be one‑time costs. Commissioners instructed staff to publish a newspaper notice for two weeks seeking letters of interest and to place appointment of a representative on a future agenda after responses are received.

The board also advanced a resolution (2025‑13) for first reading to rejoin the authority; a second reading is scheduled for the next meeting. The motion to proceed with public notice and the resolution process carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will publish the notice requesting letters of interest, collect submissions, and bring candidate letters forward for commission consideration at a future meeting.