Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-MS) announced last week that a $5.45 million grant award from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to the Southern Rail Commission has been earmarked for Gulf Coast passenger rail service restoration.
The funding allotment would support restoration operating costs for the first three years, noting service along the Gulf Coast ended in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the route.
“Restoring passenger rail service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a long-awaited symbol of the progress our state has made in recovering from Hurricane Katrina,” Wicker said. “Regular service along this route will create jobs, increase quality of life for our residents, and give tourists and travelers a convenient option to access the many amenities along our shore.”
The restoration includes the resumption of Amtrak service involving two daily round trips from New Orleans, La., to Mobile, Ala., per officials, with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Miss. Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as the City of Mobile, will provide additional operating support for the restoration.
“As we work to connect the Gulf Coast through public transportation, this grant provides continued support for improved rail service and accessibility,” Palazzo said. “As the Amtrak project moves forward, Mississippi will have four stops on the route that will bring in more money for our local economy.”