Day 2 Agenda

7:00am

Registration Opens

8:00am

Breakfast

8:30am - 8:45am

Welcome: Collaboration and Advocacy

• RIA / BNW Council - educating legislators on High Performance Rail
• All Aboard Northwest - supporting the NW states’ rail caucuses

8:45am - 9:45am

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?

• Moderator: Andrew Johnsen
• Don Esterbrook, Northwest Seaport Alliance
• Chris Herman, WA Public Ports Association
• Ross Lane, Genesee & Wyoming
• Johan Hellman, BNSF Railway
• Aaron Hunt, Union Pacific

Session Recording

9:50am - 10:50am

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?

• Moderator: Tom Martinelli, Chief Content Officer - Content Studio New York & Publisher – New York By Rail
  • Presentation
  • New York By Rail 20th Anniversary Edition
  • Downeaster Travel Packages
• Court Edeburn, Rocky Mountaineer
• Bill Jenkin, Prosser Vineyard
• Jacob Snodgrass and Nancy Randall, Albany & Eastern Railroad

Session Recording

11:00am - 12:00pm

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
• Matt Krabacher, Association of Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates (AORTA)
• Mike Christensen, Utah Rail Passengers Association
  • Presentation
  • Utah Rail Passengers Association

SessionSession Recording

12:15pm - 1:15pm

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?

• Message from U.S. Senator for Montana Jon Tester
• Message from Missoula, MT Mayor Andrea Davis

Session Recording

1:30pm - 2:30pm

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
  • Presentation

​​​​​​​Session Recording

2:35pm - 3:35pm

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: Dr. Breck Lebegue, WA Physicians for Social Responsibility
  • Presentation
• Gleb Sych, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
  • Presentation
  • Improving Access to Specialty Medical Care: A Medical Provider Survey on the Impact of Restoring Passenger Rail Service in Central Washington
• HollyAnna Littlebull, Yakama Nation
  • Statement from Yakama Nation Tribal Health Officer, Katherine Saluskin
• Martin Charlo, Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
• Luella Brien, Crow Tribe
• Anna Zivarts, Disability Mobility Initiative

Session Recording

3:45pm - 4:45pm

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?

• Rep. Jake Fey, Tacoma WA
• Rep. Andrew Barkis, Chehalis WA
• Sen. Jeff Wilson, Southwest WA
• Sen. Chris Gorsek, Gresham OR
• Rep. Kevin Mannix, Salem OR
• Rep. Khanh Pham, Portland OR
• Rep. Nancy Nathanson - Eugene, OR
• Rep. Denise Baum - Billings, MT
• Moderator: Luis Moscoso, All Aboard NW

Session Recording​​​​​​​

4:45pm - 5:00pm

Closing Comments for the Summit