WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today led House colleagues in supporting legislation to reauthorize funding for Montana’s Amtrak service.

“Along Montana’s Hi-line, rail service is a part of life,” said Rehberg, Co-chair of the House Rail Caucus.  “So, it’s important we start to lay the tracks for future Amtrak funding now.  Today, we made a strong commitment to ensuring this essential service will continue for the next half-decade.”

The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, which Rehberg cosponsored, authorizes $14.4 billion for Amtrak programs for the next five years to maintain and upgrade the entire rail network and help to pay for salaries, healthcare, overtime, fuel costs, and facilities.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves as many as 140,000 Montanans annually. Additionally, Amtrak accounts for over $3.2 million in wages for the Montana economy, while direct spending by Amtrak travelers in Montana is estimated at more than $5.3 million annually.  Ridership of the Empire Builder Line in Montana has increased by 15% since 2007, including a 24% increase in “Sleeper Class” ridership.

“The Empire Builder line runs all the way from Chicago to Seattle,” said Rehberg.  “In other words, it’s a backbone of northwestern transportation.  I’m glad my colleagues joined me in moving this bill forward.”

In 2007, Rehberg and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) received the George Falcon Golden Spike Award presented by the National Association of Railroad Passengers, for their contributions to the advancement of passenger rail.

# # #