Big Sky rail plan moves closer to restoring passenger service through North Dakota

JAMESTOWN — The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority has completed the first steps to restore passenger rail service from Chicago to Seattle, according to Kim Whittemore, community outreach and engagement director for the authority. The package is in. The questions have been answered, Whittemore said. Whittemore said the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is waiting for authorization to advance to the second step of the Corridor Identification and Development Program, which is developing the core service development plan. That plan includes defining schedules, station locations, equipment needs and the implementation framework. That's where the team is really looking at each community. They're looking at the first and last mile (of the route), she said. That's where the detailed economic impact work starts. Whittemore met with Jamestown city officials on Wednesday, Oct. 21, as part of visits to gather information along the route. In 2023, the Federal Railr