Letters to the Editor

I have concern over the fact that a group from Helena is looking into getting Amtrak to stop the northern Empire Builder route along the Hi-Line and diverting the train on a southern route through the state to get more “tourists” to Helena. I would like this group to take my following remarks into consideration before they proceed.

The Hi-Line, especially eastern Montana, is the most remote area in the state. We do not have access to interstate highway without considerable travel. We do not have access to bus lines. Our essential air service is limited. The only mode of long distance transportation is Amtrak. Many of the towns along the Hi-Line have older populations, who can not drive or fly. They may choose to go to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota or travel to Seattle for healthcare. The Amtrak is their transportation mode. They also use the Amtrak to travel on holidays to visit friends and relatives.

Losing Amtrak would affect me personally. I am a florist in Glasgow. I serve a 50-mile radius and rely on the Amtrak to bring my plants and flowers from Minneapolis or Spokane. Many florists along the Hi-Line receive their product in this manner. The loss of Amtrak would be a devastating blow to my business and all the Montana florists affected by this action.

I would ask the Helena group this, is it worth the loss of tax-paying businesses to the State as well as the loss of access to long-distance transportation to get a few extra “tourists” to the Helena area? If you haven’t been to eastern Montana, I suggest you take a road trip, don’t fly, and get a true perspective of what remote actually means.