The upcoming week is a big one for Vermilion Parish, La., and the rail system that cuts right through it. Local media report. Sen. Nick Gautreaux recently passed Senate Bill 395, which creates the Vermilion and Iberia Railroad Development District.

It is a big week for the parish because Sen. Gautreaux will be in Baton Rouge meeting with the Department of Economical Development. He is hoping to convince the department to award the newly created railroad development district around $7 million. Most of that money would be used to upgrade the rail system between Abbeville and New Iberia.

Sen. Gautreaux was at the Greater Vermilion Parish Chamber of Commerce luncheon to speak about the new railroad district and other things that recently occurred in Baton Rouge.

"The primary object and purpose of the district is to promote and encourage development of the rail service between Vermilion and Iberia parishes," he said. "It would stimulate the economy through renewed commerce, industry and for the utilization and development of natural and human resources of the area by providing job opportunities."

The rail system, owned by Genesee & Wyoming Inc., is used by L&D Railroads out of New Iberia. According to Gautreaux, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., would donate the rail system, which is about 15 miles long, to the new development district if it is able to land the money from the state.

L&D's biggest client is Planter's Rice Mill in Abbeville. Because of the age of the rail system and how they are made, the system is a certain class railroad. Because of its class, loaded hopper cars cannot exceed a certain weight.

If Sen. Gautreaux can secure the millions of dollars, the rail system would be upgraded. What that means is that heavier boxcars could pass on it, opening up more opportunities for companies to use the rail system.  The rice mill could load more rice in the hopper cars, also.

Overseeing the new district would be five commissioners who will serve a three-year term for free. Two members shall be appointed by the Police Jury in Vermilion Parish, and two members appointed by the governing body of Iberia Parish. At least one of the two members each parish selects has to have a bachelor's degree in agricultural science.

The fifth member shall be appointed by the Twin Parish Port Commission and ULL. This member must also have a bachelor's degree in engineering and must have a minimum of five years experience at the management and operational level of a railroad company.

These five commissioners will have a lot of responsibility. They will have the power to construct and acquire railroad tracks, and to maintain and operate the tracks.

Gautreaux gave benefits as to why it the railway is important to the South.

• Railroads can carry more freight than trucks.

• Railroads offer the safest, most energy-efficient mode of handing long haul freight.

• The new and improved rail system may bring new jobs to the parishes because companies may locate near the tracks.