While it's been nearly 30 years since the last Amtrak train rolled through Missoula, some Missoula City Council members are doing their part to try and bring the trains back.

Dave Strohmaier of City Council Ward One is urging the Missoula County Commission, the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, and the Montana Association of Railroad passengers to support the Improvement Act of 2008, which would re-authorize Amtrak in this area for the next five years.

The multi-billion dollar bill passed last fall in the U.S. Senate, but the challenge now is to get the House and the Senate to work out differences between their versions of this bill. 

Strohmaier says it's important for Missoulians to let their voices be heard because Montana needs another option for traveling.

It's high time, with escalating gas prices and concerns with climate change, for Missoulians and Montanans to get into the engine of this train rather than the caboose. We have an opportunity to play a leadership role, and I think now is the time to act as a community and send a clear message to Congress."

Those interested in showing support for the Amtrak resolution are being encouraged to attend a Missoula City Council meeting Monday night, starting at 6:40 p.m. in the Missoula City Council Chambers located on West Pine Street. 

The Committee of the Whole will take up debate and then later that evening, the full Missoula City Council plans to take action on the resolution.