Giving In The Community

IT IS IMPORTANT TO MONTANA RAIL LINK TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT WE SERVE. As one of Montana’s major employers, we provide jobs for workers living in towns all along our route, and we promote the well-being of these communities, seeking to be a responsible neighbor.

We realize that the success we enjoy as a company is due to the strong work ethic, talents and professionalism of our employees, and we are grateful for their efforts. Montana Rail Link employees contribute significantly to the communities in which they live by donating their time, financial resources and expertise to help hundreds of community-based organizations they are passionate about.

HOW MRL GIVES BACK

TRIBUTE LOCOMOTIVES

In late 2020, Montana Rail Link unveiled two unique locomotives thanking veterans and their families who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and essential workers for their dedication and public service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both locomotives serve in regular freight service on the MRL network. As part of the unveiling, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Montana Rail Link donated $50,000 to Warriors and Quiet Waters and $50,000 to Montana No Kid Hungry.

HOW MRL GIVES BACK

PROJECT SWEATSHIRT

MRL is proud to distribute new sweatshirts to Montana schools located along the route. Each year several schools are selected to receive shirts in the school’s colors and include the school’s mascot. The idea for Project Sweatshirt came from MRL's 1,200 Montana employees who were asked how they would like to give back to the communities in which they live and work. As of 2018, over 8,500 sweatshirts have been distributed.

HOW MRL GIVES BACK

RUN 4 KIDS / MISSOULA YOUTH HOMES

Montana Rail Link is a premier sponsor of the Missoula Youth Homes Run 4 Kids event held in conjunction with the Missoula Marathon. Youth Homes works to help every youth feel safe, have a sense of belonging and find a place to call home. The organization provides an array of services to support children and families of Western Montana, regardless of their ability to pay.

HOW MRL GIVES BACK

BIKE FOR SHELTER / WATSON CHILDREN'S SHELTER

Montana Rail Link is proud to be a premier sponsor of the Bike for Shelter event, which raises funds for Watson Children's Shelter. Watson provides a safe, nurturing environment for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment or family crisis. Each year, over 100 kids — infant to age 14 — are brought to Watson Children’s Shelter. Children are provided with clothing, nourishing meals and everything to experience and enjoy childhood.

HOW MRL GIVES BACK

USS MONTANA

As part of its commitment of military and first responders, Montana Rail Link is a proud supporter of the commissioning and crew of what will be one of the most high-tech warships in the U.S. Navy Fleet, the USS Montana. A Virginia Class nuclear attack submarine, SSN 794 is under construction. She is expected to be commissioned sometime in 2020. As a founding donor, Montana Rail Link’s support will assist in funding commission events, crew support and recognition of the great state of Montana.

Our Communities

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington family. Funding for the Foundation comes from personal contributions from the Washington Family and the annual contributions from The Washington Companies.

The Foundation supports a broad spectrum of worthy organizations benefiting at-risk youth, economically and socially disadvantaged individuals and families, and those with special needs.

DPWFoundation.org

INVESTING IN PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIVES.

Community Service

Doing more for the places we call home.

Health & Human Services

Ensuring the vitality of the human body and spirit.

Arts & Culture

Bringing together people from all walks of life.

Education

Tapping the immeasurable potential of the mind.

Training For First Responders

AT MRL safety always comes first. As a part of that commitment, MRL provides community-based first responder training free of charge. In the last three years, MRL has provided training for over 900 first responders.

OPERATION LIFESAVER

Operation Lifesaver is an international, non-profit education and awareness program. MRL employs Operation Lifesaver trained and certified volunteer speakers who provide free safety presentations for various professions and for all age groups in an effort to increase public safety around railroad tracks. Presentations are typically an hour in length and can be tailored to the audience, whether it be a kindergarten class or log truck drivers. To request a presentation, please get in touch!

EDUCATION

The program seeks to educate both drivers and pedestrians to make safe decisions at crossing and around railroad tracks.

ENFORCEMENT

Operation Lifesaver promotes active enforcement of traffic laws relating to crossing signs, signals and private property laws related to trespassing.

ENGINEERING

Operation Lifesaver encourages continued engineering research and innovation to improve the safety of railroad crossings.