Idaho Transportation Department seeks public comment on train plan

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking the public’s input as it updates the Idaho Statewide Rail Plan. 

Through Wednesday, Nov. 12, the public can participate in an online survey to help guide the future of freight and passenger rail systems in Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department announced in a news release. 

According to the department, the plan evaluates the condition and performance of Idaho’s existing rail system, identifies challenges and opportunities and covers strategies to strengthen infrastructure. 

The plan also addresses public safety and railroad crossings.

“We want to hear from Idaho communities about how rail infrastructure is working today and what improvements would make the biggest difference in the future,” Freight Program Manager Caleb Forrey said in a written statement. “Your feedback will help us better understand statewide priorities and shape a plan that reflects Idaho’s needs.”

The Idaho Statewide Rail Plan will be used to support grant applications and coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration, but does not allocate funding for specific projects, Idaho Transportation Department officials said. 

The Idaho Statewide Rail Plan and grant opportunities are important to the railway system in Idaho because there is no dedicated state source of funding for freight or passenger rail aside from matching funds available for federally funded rail crossing improvements, transportation officials said. 

Feedback gathered from the online public survey will be incorporated into an updated Idaho Statewide Rail Plan, which officials said they expect to release in spring 2026. The updated plan will then be used to guide discussions and partnerships at the community, state and federal levels. 

A summary of the 2013 Idaho Statewide Rail Plan is available online.