Boise Metro Chamber Legislative Forum to Discuss Future of Rail in Idaho

The Boise Metro Chamber, the only five-star accredited Chamber in Idaho, will hold its annual Legislative Forum luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the Boise Centre.

Annually, the Chamber welcomes the Idaho State Legislature to Boise with a major event, focusing on legislative priorities of the collective membership of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. Legislators from all of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts traditionally attend the event each year.

As Idaho continues its strong growth trajectory, the state and region remain underserved regarding rails and trains. Panelists at this year’s Legislative Forum will discuss the past, present and future of rail in Idaho, opportunities for reengagement under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and how lawmakers can help to revitalize passenger rail.

The Boise Metro Chamber has been a driving force in calls to revive Amtrak’s old “Pioneer Line,” which carried passengers from Portland to Salt Lake City until the late 1990s. In 2022, a letter signed by dozens of Idaho's leaders was sent to the administrator of the Federal Rail Administration, expressing their interest in restoring service between Boise and Salt Lake City. Boise Metro Chamber CEO Bill Connors also met with Amtrak officials in Washington D.C. to advocate for restoration of the old “Pioneer Line.”

Legislative Forum panelists include:

• Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner, who is deeply invested in transportation throughout the Treasure Valley. Wagoner previously served as a Transportation Planner for Ada County Highway District and Senior Planner for the City of Caldwell.
• Alex Khalfin, Senior Manager of Government Affairs for Amtrak, who will share the details of prospective expansion of intercity passenger rail in the United States, which was kickstarted by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
• Jay Fox, Executive Director at the Utah Transit Authority, who has extensive career experience in rail development and operations, procurement, grant programs, environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and more.

The event will be moderated by Thomas J. Mortell, Partner, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley LLP. Mortell also serves as the Chair of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Committee.

“We’re proud to drive the conversation on this important topic,” said Boise Metro Chamber President and CEO Bill Connors. “This conversation will bring stakeholders and lawmakers together to strengthen efforts to bring rail back to Idaho, which will be a monumental benefit to our community,” Connors said.

Tickets, which include lunch, are $40 for individual Boise Metro Chamber members and $50 for non-members. Idaho State Legislators’ registrations are paid for by Boise Metro Chamber member sponsorships. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Tori Thomas, Community Affairs Manager at tthomas@boisechamber.org or by phone at (208) 472-5211.

Event Details:

What:     Legislative Forum 2023: Past, Present and Future of Rail in Idaho
Who:      Panelists:

• Jarom Wagoner, Mayor of Caldwell, Idaho
• Alex Khalfin, Sr. Manager of Government Affairs for Amtrak
• Jay Fox, Executive Director at the Utah Transit Authority

Moderator:

• Thomas J. Mortell, Partner, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley LLP
  
  

When:     Thursday, January 12, 2023
                 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. MST
Where:    Boise Centre
                  850 W. Front Street, Boise, ID 83702
Cost:        Tickets, which include lunch, are $40 for individual Boise Metro Chamber members and
$50 for non-members.

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The 2023 Legislative Forum is made possible by the support of our presenting sponsor, Optum, and supporting sponsors Idaho Central Credit Union and Amalgamated Sugar Company.