Project Overview

On October 16, 2020, Tongue River Railroad Company, Inc. (TRRC) filed a revised application with the Surface Transportation Board (Board). TRRC intended to construct and operate an approximately 83-mile rail line between Miles City, Montana, and two ending points, one near the site of the previously planned Montco mine near Ashland, Montana, and another at the proposed Otter Creek mine in the Otter Creek area east of Ashland, Montana.

On December 17, 2020, TRRC filed a supplemental application with the Board, in which TRRC changed its preferred alignment from the 83-mile Tongue River Alternative to the 42-mile rail line between Colstrip, Montana and the Ashland and Otter Creek areas of Montana. TRRC's preferred Colstrip Alternative would generally parallel Greenleaf Road (S-447). Because the construction and operation of this project has the potential to result in significant environmental impacts, the Board's Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) has determined that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is appropriate pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq.).

Project Updates

• On April 26, 2020, the Board issued a decision dismissing the Tongue River Railroad proceeding without prejudice. To view the decision, click here. As a result, the environmental review for this case has been discontinued.