by gokeefe
ADMIN NOTE: Topic split off from Sunset East: viewtopic.php?f=46&t=163150
Late breaking news from the Gulf Coast ...
Late breaking news from the Gulf Coast ...
Amtrak is expected to return to the Gulf Coast within 24 months, linking a new passenger rail between New Orleans and Mobile.
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., announced Friday the awarding of a $33 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to fund infrastructure and capacity improvements that will enable Amtrak’s Gulf Coast return.
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The $33 million award through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program will go to the Southern Rail Commission (SRC), a 21-member group that promotes passenger rail service and pursues funding opportunities to support its mission.
The money will cover half the cost of the $65.9 million rail line project, which will also be supported by a combination of investments and matching grants from Mississippi, Louisiana and Amtrak.
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Amtrak, meanwhile, said it’s committed to working with the SRC, CSX and the states in getting the service restarted within 24 months.
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“At Amtrak, we believe services such as this one is what the future of passenger rail service looks like: safe, relevant, and reliable, connecting major markets such as New Orleans and Mobile,” said Joe McHugh, Amtrak’s vice-president of state supported services. “Amtrak endorsed this grant application because we believe this project makes sense for the Gulf Coast region.”
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