Transportation For America Another milestone: Major funding announced for Gulf Coast passenger rail

Another milestone: Major funding announced for Gulf Coast passenger rail

8 Jan 2025 | Posted by Eric Cova | 0 Comments | amtrak, gulf coast

Earlier this week, the Federal Railroad Administration announced a significant investment of $21,117,115 in Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) grant funding to Amtrak. This funding will support the restoration of intercity passenger rail service with two daily roundtrips along the Gulf Coast, connecting New Orleans, LA, to Mobile, AL.

We want to share special thanks to Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker and his dedicated staff, who have championed the establishment of the R&E program and the return of passenger rail in the Gulf Coast for more than a decade. This milestone would not be possible without their continued commitment to passenger rail service restoration and expansion along the Gulf Coast.

In recognition of recent progress for passenger service in the Coastal South, we released a four-part series exploring how unified regional and national approaches, supported by local advocacy and sound policy, can help create a successful passenger rail network. Read part one on the history of passenger rail, part two on building momentum for change, part three on converting support into action, and part four on next steps for a national network.

Transportation for America supports the Southern Rail Commission to champion the efforts to return service in the Gulf Coast and across the Deep South.