Report will detail Amtrak's impact on Montana economy

A Washington, D.C., consultant will soon present to state officials the results of a study about the impacts Amtrak has on Montana.

The state wants to have the information in hand in case Congress either eliminates the twice-daily Empire Builder or asks the state to help pay for passenger train service.

"Basically, we're planning ahead," Tom Steyeart of the Montana Department of Transportation said Monday.

An informal survey conducted by MDT last year found that Amtrak contributes at least $6.5 million to the state economy, Steyeart said.

MDT, the Department of Commerce and the Department o...