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8/30/2019
The U.S. Department of Transportation yesterday announced a $4.36 million grant to the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) to help restore passenger rail service along parts of the Gulf Coast.
The award, which will be granted through the federal Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) program, will help fund operating expenses for the first year of service along the new rail line between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, SRC officials said in a press release.
The region has been without Amtrak service since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina damaged the rail infrastructure there.
The USDOT award also leverages commitments of $1.4 million from the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, and follows a recent $33 million federal grant award through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program to complete major infrastructure and capital improvements necessary to restore service, SRC officials said.
“This restored service will continue the economic recovery of communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, enhance corridor mobility and safety, and allow for safer and more efficient hurricane evacuations by providing a daily passenger service that is business and tourism friendly,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said.
SRC officials said they hope Alabama state officials will support the passenger rail restoration by providing matching funds for the next grant cycle so that service can be extended to downtown Mobile.