What: Annual conference featuring updates from the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and industry leaders
When: Thursday, June 6th - Friday, June 7th
Where: Missoula Public Library (4th Floor - Cooper Room), 455 E. Main St., Missoula, MT 59802
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) invites you aboard to attend their annual conference featuring:
Updates from the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and industry leaders
Keynote addresses from FRA Deputy Administrator Jennifer Mitchell and Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews
Exciting news about the North Coast Hiawatha route, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and the region's rail renaissance
Conference meetings will be at the Missoula Public Library. Attendance is free, but meals must be purchased. Live-streaming services will also be provided.
Following the conference will be a banquet at the Payne Native American Center on the University of Montana campus featuring keynote speaker Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs (USDOT)
Schedule
June 6th
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception: Residence Inn (Free)
June 7th - Missoula Public Library
8:30 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 a.m. State of BSPRA - Dave Strohmaier
9:30 a.m. FRA updates - Lyle Leitelt, Chief of Project Planning Division FRA, and Katie List, Community Planner, Office of Railroad Development (FRA) | Long-Distance Study | Corridor ID Program
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Hydrogen & Rail: Generating Sustainable Development
12:00 p.m. Lunch Program | Founders Award | Key Note Address - FRA Deputy Administrator, Jennifer Mitchell
1:00 p.m. Engaging Rural and Tribal Communities in the Development of Passenger Rail - Lessons Learned
1:30 p.m. BSPRA Board Business Meeting
1:45 p.m. Break 2:00 p.m. Revitalizing Communities & Creating Opportunities - Jim Mathews, President & CEO of Rail Passengers Association And Bruce Agnew, Director of PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator
3:00 p.m. END
Post Conference Session Missoula Public Library, Blackfoot Room (Board Members)
3:15 p.m. Board Engagement
Conference Banquet
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Payne Native American Center, University of Montana, Keynote - Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs (USDOT)