Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has been picked to lead the House Rail Caucus with Representative Mike Castle of Delaware.
“Rail service is vital to Montana, particularly along the Hi-Line,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “However, this service is often overlooked. The President has again elected to cut funding for long distance trains in his FY08 budget, but I’ll work with my colleagues in the House to maintain adequate support for Amtrak in Montana. As a leader of this caucus, I look forward to leading the charge in ensuring the needs and funding of Montana rail lines are met.”
Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves as many as 140,000 Montanans annually. The Passenger service accounts for over $3.2 million in wages for the Montana economy, while direct spending by rail travelers in Montana is estimated at more than $5.3 million annually. Ridership of the Empire Builder Line in Montana, which serves the Hi-Line and Glacier National Park, has increased almost 40% since 2002.
“The state’s rural communities depend on affordable transportation for long distance travel,” said Rehberg. “In Montana, Amtrak provides that transportation. It’s important our western voice is heard on rail-related issues.”