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Not all Montana legislative measures this session deal with guns, state's rights and medical marijuana. One proposal calls on the U.S. Congress to support existing Amtrak service and to expand Amtrak service across Montana's southern communities.

The MT House Transportation Committee approved HJ 15 this week, a joint resolution sponsored by MT State Representative Michelle Reinhart (D-Missoula). The measure comes on the heels of a new national survey showing support for infrastructure improvements like rail service and President Obama's call for move investment in high speed rail.

HJ 15 points out the nation's airports and roads are "severely congested" while trains present the most "energy-efficient ways to move people."

It goes on to argue that commercial air service and public transportation is "inadequate" for most of Montana's counties and communities, and could face further cuts.

The resolution says passenger rail would provide "mobility for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, students and business people."

The measure calls on Congress to restore the North Coast Hiawatha route that was cut in 1979 and would link Billings, Bozeman, Butte and Missoula by rail.

It says that would boost tourism and create
opportunities for new jobs. It also asks Congress to continue funding for the Empire Builder route, which travels through Whitefish and Great Falls and east across the Hi-Line.

The measure now heads for consideration by the full House.

Here is the full text of the proposal:
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15
INTRODUCED BY M. REINHART

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA URGING SUPPORT FOR AMTRAK PASSENGER RAIL SERVICES ACROSS SOUTHERN MONTANA AND CONTINUED FUNDING FOR AMTRAK'S EMPIRE BUILDER ROUTE ACROSS MONTANA'S HI-LINE.

WHEREAS, our airports and roadways are severely congested, we face a dwindling supply of oil and rising gas prices, and trains are among the most energy-efficient ways to move people; and
WHEREAS, commercial airline service to many counties and communities in Montana is inadequate and at risk of further reductions or elimination; and
WHEREAS, some communities in Montana are poorly served by public transportation, and passenger rail services provide mobility for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, students, and businesspeople; and
WHEREAS, Amtrak was created in 1971 from what remained of private passenger railroads and has been starved of investment and direction by the United States Congress and several presidential administrations; and
WHEREAS, the North Coast Hiawatha ceased operation through southern Montana in 1979, and transportation to and from the major population centers of southern Montana would be greatly enhanced by passenger rail service; and
WHEREAS, restoring the North Coast Hiawatha would stimulate Montana's economy through increased tourism spending and an associated increase in job opportunities; and
WHEREAS, increased passenger rail services will increase railroad-related employment because of the need for upgraded rail infrastructure and operating personnel; and
WHEREAS, the Empire Builder is a very popular long-distance passenger train in the United States, with over 90% on-time performance, and is greatly needed for the citizens of Montana's Hi-Line, who have limited public transportation options.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the 62nd Montana Legislature urge the United States Congress to take tangible steps to secure funding for and develop plans to restore Amtrak's North Coast Hiawatha route between Chicago and Seattle, with service through southern Montana. This should be part of a national essential passenger rail policy that does not sacrifice the passenger rail needs of the rural American West for intercity high speed rail; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Congress should continue to support the Empire Builder, which is a critical transportation component along Montana's Hi-Line.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to Montana's Congressional Delegation, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of Transportation, and the Amtrak Board of Directors.
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