RT&S, 8/30/19
Southern Rail Commission receives $4.36 million grant from U.S. DOT
David C. Lester
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced yesterday that DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $4,360,000 to the Southern Rail Commission to help restore intercity passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast.
“This funding will help Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama resume passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile to enhance regional economic growth and rural mobility,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
In 2005 Amtrak suspended its tri-weekly service between New Orleans, LA, and Orlando, FL, due to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina to the stations and rail lines used by long-distance Sunset Limited trains.
“States are in the best position to determine how to meet the mobility needs of their citizens, and I commend the Southern Rail Commission for all its hard work to restore Gulf Coast intercity passenger rail service,” said FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory.
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