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April 5, 2011
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Ken Olson j L ! APR 1 3 2011 Lj
Mayor
City of Laurel
PO Box 10 CITY OF LAUREL
Laurel, MT 59044 -0010
Dear Ken.
Thank you for contacting me about your support for future expansion of Amtrak service in
Montana. Like you, I am a strong supporter of expanding passenger rail service in our state. But given
my focus on cutting spending, the time line for expanded passenger rail service in Montana is unclear.
As you know, Amtrak released its study in October 2009 and concluded that the cost of restoring
the North Coast Hiawatha route could top $1 billion. That's a hefty price tag in this difficult economy.
I'm reviewing the study and its figures closely and I'm working with Amtrak and other southern route
supporters to find the best way to bring rail service back to folks in southern Montana.
I appreciate your strong support for the Empire Builder as well. I know that this line is critically
important for our state and I strongly support efforts to maintain this service. You can be sure that I
will keep your views in mind as I work in the Senate on Montana's priorities in the federal budget.
Please don't hesitate to contact me again if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
bzvC---
Jon Tester
United States Senator
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