The grand opening of the Signal Peak Coal Mine near Roundup signals a big boost for Montana coal production.

The mine is now up and running thanks to a 35 mile rail spur that provides the mine with access to Burlington Northern Santa Fe's main rail line at Broadview.

The Broadview station was officially named after the world's oldest man, Walter Bruening of Great Falls, who spent his career working for the Great Northern Railroad and now economic development in Eastern Montana is on the move.

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, along with officials with BNSF and Signal Peak Mine came together on Wednesday at the station near Broadview to ride the new 35 mile rail line that kicks coal production at the Signal Peak Mine in high gear.

"This is a mine that will add 25 percent to the over all coal mining that we do in Montana" stated Schweitzer.

The new stretch of tracks cost $105 million to build and was key part in reviving the Signal Peak Mine, which results in more jobs and revenue in the Treasure State. During the train ride to the mine, the Governor talked about the importance of coal production with the owners of the Signal Peak.

The Boich Group and First Energy shelled out nearly $400 million to bring what was once known as the Bull Mountain Mine back from the brink. The mine currently employs about 200 workers, but those numbers are expected to increase.

The mine could soon account for nearly one quarter of Montana's annual coal production as the new owners plan to step up production by the end of next year to an estimated 12.5 million tons annually. Last year, Montana produced more than 44 million tons of coal, worth more than $361 million.

But nationwide, the demand for coal has softened since the recession began.