In 2012 the Port of Northern Montana began organizing what would become the Great Northern Corridor Coalition. With key public and private sector officials represented, this coalition focused on improving the rail infrastructure from Seattle to Chicago. The fast and efficient movement of goods and people along key corridors of commerce such as the Great Northern Corridor is what will continue to grow the regional and national economy.

This session explores how rail corridors play a critical role in connecting local Northwest economies to one another, to the rest of the nation, and to the entire world. Our panel will discuss the value of a multi-modal, corridor-wide approach and the roles that passenger and freight rail play in the economic development along these corridors.

Confirmed Speakers: Duane Williams (Moderator), Michael Giordano, Michael Rutherford

The success of a railroad depends, in part, on the efficiency of its terminals. Grain elevators, intermodal yards, and transload facilities all need to load seamlessly, safely and quickly to move goods to the export markets. This panel of terminal operators will discuss the critical role they play in the regional freight rail network and how coordinated investments in rail contribute to the economic success of local communities.

Approximately 110 million vehicles visit U.S. National Parks each year. In many parks in the Mountain West, this results in congestion, roadway wear and tear, and environmental disturbances. How can we move more people by rail into and through our national parks? This panel will explore the need in the Northwest, examples from beyond the Northwest, and how we can encourage tourism by rail.

Historic investment in rail is creating new opportunities, but long-term success depends on developing the workforce to plan, build, operate, and maintain the nation's rail system. This session brings together labor and industry leaders to discuss current workforce needs, career pathways, and strategies to grow the next generation of rail professionals.

The discussion will also highlight the ongoing CRISI-funded National Rail Workforce Development Initiative and its work to identify workforce gaps and develop education and training solutions to meet the industry's future needs.

Confirmed Speakers: Josh Hartford

Restoring passenger rail service to rural towns in the West only accomplishes half the goal. We also need to solve the first/last-mile problem — how does someone from Lavina, MT get to the nearest train station to visit their grandmother? This session will dive into the role of public transit, intercity bus, car-share, ride-share and any other form of connecting service that can bring long distance passenger rail service to your front door.

Confirmed Speakers: Art Guzzetti, Jordan Hess

Beyond the long-distance routes, passenger rail is active across the region. We'll hear the latest from the Washington and Oregon DOTs (Amtrak Cascades service) and from the Wisconsin and Minnesota DOTs (Amtrak Borealis service), as well as updates on Alberta's recently released 30-year passenger rail plan to connect the major population centers in the province.

Confirmed Speakers: Elaine Clegg (Introduction), Leane Wagner

Railroads don't stop at state borders. Strategic investment in our rail network requires a regional perspective. This panel represents a cross-section of rail interests that span the region. Together they'll discuss how we can move together towards a more connected, more efficient and safer regional rail network.

Confirmed Speakers: Rep. Denise Baum, Rep. Kevin Mannix, Bre Brush

Railroads are privately owned but serve a public interest. Investing in rail-highway grade separations, safety enhancements, and increased track capacity are natural opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships. During this fireside chat, leaders from major railroads will share their perspectives on partnering with the public sector to maintain, enhance and expand critical rail infrastructure.