Amtrak Route Stopped In 1970’s Could Return to ND and Montana

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR/KFGO) — An Amtrak route that ran through the southern half of North Dakota and Montana along I-94 and I-90 and was stopped more than 40 years ago could be making a comeback.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority in Montana has been working to restore the North Coast Hiawatha Chicago to Seattle route for three years.

The effort has received a big boost from the the Federal Railroad Authority.

A $500,000 grant to Montana’s Rail Authority will help to continue planning for the restoration of the line.

A spokesman for Gov. Doug Burgum says while North Dakota has not committed resources to the restoration of the route, Burgum is “generally supportive of the concept.”