Senator: Save Amtrak Routes

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., on Tuesday proposed using federal Mass Transit trust money to fund Amtrak service to Montana.

His suggestion was offered during a budget hearing by the Senate Finance Committee.

The Mass Transit fund has a $10 billion surplus. Baucus recommends directing $600 million into Amtrak operations to help the agency avoid shutting down routes along the Hi-Line and elsewhere.