Southern Rail Commission receives $4.36 million to restore Gulf Coast rail service

Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
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Amtrak’s Empire Builder derailed on Saturday, Sept. 25. (Westbound Amtrak Crescent pictured)
David C. Lester

The Birmingham Business Journal is reporting that the Southern Rail Commission has received a $4.36 million grant to restore rail service to the Gulf Coast. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration, and will cover costs of the operation during the first year of service.

In addition to the federal grant, Mississippi and Louisiana are contributing about $1.4 million to the operation. The revival of the service will increase economic opportunities for developers and workers, and will provide more travel choices for residents, as well as visitors to the area.

Alabama governor Kay Ivey isn’t quite sold on the project, primarily due to worry over financial commitments in the long-run and how the operation might affect the Port of Mobile.

The Gulf Coast service has already received a $33 million grant from the federal government, through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.

For more information, go to Birmingham Business Journal.

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