(The following story by Aaron Kunz appeared at www.kpvi.com on August 11, 2009.)
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The push to bring Amtrak back to Idaho got another nudge today.
Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will be making the rounds this week across Idaho to discuss the potential service and to get support from area cities.
Senator Crapo says he expects Amtrak to release a feasibility study in the next few days, which would look at three possible routes through the western U.S. All three he says would include a stop through Idaho.
Amtrak used to be a regular sight in eastern Idaho – the pioneer route was part of the community from 1977 to 1997 when the service ended. Since then, there has been a push to get the pioneer route back.
Senator Mike Crapo: “You were probably aware that we have been working for some years now to get Amtrak to re-evaluate the potential for bringing the pioneer route back.”
Monday, Senator Mike Crapo said he expects a new report from Amtrak that would include the pioneer route from Boise to Pocatello.
Senator Mike Crapo: “The report will recommend a positive evaluation in regard to bringing back the pioneer route back to Idaho.”
Senator Crapo visited with Mayor Bieter of Boise and plans to meet with Mayor Roger Chase of Pocatello this Thursday.
Mayor Roger Chase: “I think it would be wonderful if we could bring Amtrak back to our community. Number one, it gives us another mode of transportation which is real crucial to our community; second, trains are in generally better for the environment.”
Among the issues Mayor Chase feels would be an issue, making the route feasible for those who live here to use.
Mayor Roger Chase: “So we are trying to find ways where we can make sure the train comes through Pocatello at a time that is reasonable for people to use.”
When the report comes out, Senator Crapo says there will be two weeks of public comment, which he encourages the Idaho public to get involved in.
Senator Mike Crapo will be discussing the Amtrak issue with Pocatello mayor Roger Chase this Thursday at the Bannock County fairgrounds.
You must be logged in to rate this story. Login or register