CASPER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – All Aboard Northwest is the working group for Greater Northwest Passenger Rail. Which is in response to a request from eight us senators, including Mitt Romney of Utah. I spoke with all aboard president Dan Bilka about the potential of more passenger rail service here in Wyoming.

James: “I guess, first tell us, about the All Aboard program, how you got involved, and how long you’ve been with them?”

Dan: “We actually got started over four years ago now. Just having informal discussions across our region. I was working down in Colorado at the time. But having conversations from Colorado to Wisconsin and Minnesota… To Montana, Oregon, and Washington. And really trying to dialogue over state lines. To see, ‘What could we realize this time around, to see passenger rail actually move forward,’ instead of a study that sits on a shelf for a dozen years. Like what happened in 2008.”

James: “So let’s talk about the current plans you’re hoping to put forward. It looks like you guys would want to start two lines that would come through Wyoming. One that goes a little more westerly, through Cheyenne and then over to Portland. Then one that goes a little more northerly, that will cut through Casper… Before going up to Montana, before hitting Seattle. Tell us a little more about that?”

Dan: “Exactly. Along with the southern route… Cheyenne, due west along I-80 to Rawlins… To Evantson, Salt Lake City and beyond… We’re wanting to advocate to restore not only what was the Pioneer service that was terminated in 1997… That was due to congressional/federal budget cuts… But also look at north-south connectivity across the state too. So that there’s not only north-south connectivity across Wyoming, but also across the greater region… If you think about the I-25 corridor.”

James: “So now, would you guys get some extra funding form the government, or how are you guys looking at that aspect?”

Dan: “There would be the idea of working with the communities and the federal government and the railroads themselves. The long distance study, once the report is delivered to congress… They’ll have what they consider their “pay for it.” The recommendation. They might ask for a local match… A local state match… As they are with highway projects and airport projects and so forth. But we’re strongly advocating for… Me personally, what I’m strongly advocating for… The federal government should really step up in that regards!”

Bilka says they hope to speak to congress about this topic early next year.

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CASPER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is experiencing a shortage of snow plow drivers going into the winter months.

For a second year in a row, WYDOT has a large number of vacancies for snowplow drivers. However, they are starting to see those job positions slowly filling up. This year there are 40 vacancies, compared to 80 last winter. Clearing the roads of snow is one of WYDOT’s top priorities, and they are working to find ways to hire and retain employees, including offering raises and hiring bonuses.

While folks may experience some delays in service this winter, WYDOT snow plow drivers will continue to play an essential role in helping Wyomingites get to their destinations safely.

Jordan Young, the WYDOT deputy public affairs officer, says, “Wyomingites especially drive pretty long distances to get to their healthcare appointments, their livestock, their work… and that means a lot of miles of winter roads, especially when we have as big of a winter as we have here in Wyoming. Having folks in those plows, having those roads cleared, helps people get to and from their destinations safely and helps keep Wyoming moving.”

WYDOT will continue to search for new hires and retain current employees.

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