Wednesday, Oct. 9 | Day 2
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7:00am
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Registration Opens
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8:00am
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Breakfast
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8:30am - 8:45am
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Welcome: Collaboration and Advocacy
- RIA / BNW Council - educating legislators on High Performance Rail
- All Aboard Northwest - supporting the NW states’ rail caucuses
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8:45am - 9:45am
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Northwest Rail Networks and Port Terminals: Strategies and Partnerships
Strategic investments in our ports, mainline rail corridors, and shortline railroads can help move goods to and from the coast and boost the economy. How are each of these key players prioritizing investments across our region, and how can we work together to build a robust freight network?
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9:50am - 10:50am
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Preparing Rural Community Passenger Rail Tourism
With many communities depending on tourism to support their local economy, passenger rail provides tremendous opportunities for our region to showcase its unique natural, cultural, and historic attractions. How can rural farming communities or small mountain towns start to plan for tourists arriving by rail? What should small towns consider as they start to build out a tourism-by-rail industry?
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11:00am - 12:00pm
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Town to Town: Knitting Together a Multi-State Rail Corridor
A regional rail strategy starts at the local level. How are each of the Northwest states prioritizing rail investments and how can we coordinate between jurisdictions to best achieve High Performance Rail corridors.
- Moderator: Sen. Chris Gorsek, Grisham OR
- Dan Bucks, Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
- Mike Christensen, Utah Rail Passengers Association
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12:15pm - 1:15pm
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Luncheon Plenary: Reauthorization - What’s Next for Federal Passenger and Freight Rail Funding?
The IIJA authorized unprecedented investments in our rail system. The push for re-authorization in 2025 has already started. What should we know about the federal budgeting process and how will it impact local investments in the Greater Northwest?
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1:30pm - 2:30pm
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Green Rail Infrastructure: Saving Salmon & Enhancing Air Quality
Investments in rail infrastructure can move people and goods more quickly while also producing environmental benefits for our communities. Whether it’s highway-rail grade separation that reduces vehicle idling and congestion or improved bridges and culverts that support salmon habitat restoration, investing in our rail network is a benefit to all.
- Moderator: Abe Zumwalt, David Evans & Associates
- Johan Hellman, BNSF
- James Dorman, Idaho Transportation Department
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2:35pm - 3:35pm
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Passenger Rail as a Healthcare Lifeline
When the nearest hospital is over a treacherous snowy pass, or a disability or age prevents you or a loved one from driving, passenger rail service becomes a critical connection for rural communities. Equity, accessibility, and improved health outcomes are priorities for rural and tribal communities across the Greater Northwest.
- Moderator: Breck Lebegue, WA Physicians for Social Responsibility
- Martin Charlo, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
- Anna Zivarts, Disability Mobility Initiative
- Gleb Sych, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
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3:45pm - 4:45pm
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Rail Advocacy in 2025: Input from all corners
Both regionally and nationally, 2025 will be an important year for securing investments in our rail network. But how do we organize constituents, persuade lawmakers, and advocate together for High Performance Rail?
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4:45pm - 5:00pm
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Closing Comments for the Summit
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