Big Sky Rail Advances Chicago to Seattle Corridor

The rail authority submitted initial documentation to a federal program for a new route connecting the two cities.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Air Travel

Big Sky Rail Advances Chicago to Seattle Corridor

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Do you support prioritizing the restoration of passenger rail service in your region?

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority has submitted documents to the Corridor Identification and Development Program to advance a proposed passenger route between Chicago and Seattle. This initiative seeks to restore service along the former North Coast Hiawatha rail corridor.

Why it matters

Restoring passenger rail service aims to reconnect regions across the country, though project progress currently depends on securing necessary federal and state funding. The authority is waiting for authorization to begin developing a comprehensive service plan.

The proposed corridor development plan requires a nonfederal match of approximately $320,000 to move forward. This amount is designed to cover the 10% match required for a $3.2 million project.

The players

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority

This organization is a regional coalition working to restore passenger rail service to communities across the northern United States.

Big Sky Rail Foundation

This is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to assist with the fundraising and design processes for the rail corridor project.

North Dakota Department of Transportation

This state agency manages infrastructure and transit policy and currently holds the authority over the release of the state's allocated matching funds.

The details

The project envisions a rail service featuring up to four trains daily, including two in each direction. The Big Sky Rail Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support the fundraising and design efforts necessary for the corridor.

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $500,000 grant to the authority in 2023.
The North Dakota Legislature allocated $150,000 in 2025 for matching funds.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act expired on September 30, 2026.
Director Whittemore met with Jamestown city officials on October 21, 2026.

Travel Outlook

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority is navigating the requirements of the Corridor Identification and Development Program, which sets the federal standards for new passenger rail routes. The authority follows the structural process established by this program to gain authorization for its plan.

Residents should track state-level funding decisions, as the release of the legislative allocation remains a key hurdle for project advancement. The final corridor design will determine future station locations and train schedules for the proposed Chicago to Seattle route.

The takeaway

The proposed rail project requires a total nonfederal match of $320,000 to unlock further development phases. Stakeholders and residents interested in rail connectivity should monitor updates from the North Dakota Department of Transportation regarding the release of state funds.