JB Howick sworn in as Broadwater County representative to Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

The Broadwater County Commission appointed JB Howick as the county's representative on the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and administered the oath of office during its meeting.

Howick, introduced in the record as a member of the Townsend City Council and a small-business owner, said he appreciated the appointment and urged advance planning for passenger rail. “The question isn't whether or not the passenger rail will come. It's a question of whether or not we will take advantage of it,” Howick said, adding he looks forward to working with the commissioners and county residents to develop a plan for the arrival expected between 2032 and 2034.

Chair read a letter thanking outgoing director Daryl Folkford for his service and said the commission would forward the paperwork and a headshot to the authority's staff. County staff then administered the oath, which Howick repeated, and he signed the necessary documents.

The commission recorded no formal roll-call vote in the transcript for the appointment; proceedings show the board presented the nomination, Howick accepted and was sworn into office. Commissioners also noted an upcoming rail-related conference in Helena and asked Howick to provide a headshot for the authority website.

The appointment replaces the seat vacated by Daryl Folkford. The commission did not adopt any new policies as part of the swearing-in; Howick's remarks focused on collaboration and planning for anticipated passenger-rail opportunities.

What happens next: the county will transmit the appointment paperwork to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and post Howick's contact details and photo to the authority's website.