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Amtrak Expected To Resume Full Service In June

 

By Bill Vander Weele

Amtrak’s Empire Builder will resume daily service throughout Montana starting in early June, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said during a press conference call last week.

The funds come as part of the America Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package.

Paul Tuss of Bear Paw Development in Havre said during the call that Amtrak’s 12 stations in Montana served 121,000 passengers during 2019. He said the service creates about $327 million annually for the state.

He added the rail service is probably the only public transportation that is available for many rural areas in Montana.

Tester also fought to include $20 million for housing on Montana’s reservations in the bill.

“The pandemic in Montana impacted Native Americans more than anybody else,” Tester said. “When it comes to Indian Country, there’s an incredible need for housing.”

The relief bill includes funds for hospitals, schools, unemployment programs and cities.

Glendive Mayor Jerry Jimison noted that his community is using $1.9 million for a water treatment plant update. The result will be safe drinking water in the city for 50 years and a reduction of water rates for taxpayers.

“This gives communities an opportunity to build,” Tester said.

Walt Schweitzer, Montana Farmers Union president, said $3.6 billion will improve the food chain cycle so more Montana products can be obtained at the state’s stores. “This bill allows Montana’s ag producers to invest in the future,” Schweitzer said.

Funds will also benefit Montana’s hospitals in virtually every county in the state.

“Hospitals are the heart beat of communities,” Tester said. “If they lose their hospitals, it’s literally a death nail to their communities.”

Tester stressed the importance of having COVID vaccinations done in order for the recovery to be successful, “If you want to put COVID and the masks to bed, everybody needs to get a shot,” Tester said.

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