Wicker announces formation of working group to study return of Gulf Coast passenger rail

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced the formation of a working group on Monday that will study the return of passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast.

The working group will study the potential return of passenger rail service from New Orleans to Orlando that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“(Monday’s) announcement marks the first concrete step in bringing back passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast,” Wicker said. “Passenger rail is an essential part of our national transportation network. Restoring this service along the coast could have a monumental impact on the region’s economic development, as well as Mississippians’ quality of life.”

Wicker and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) co-sponsored the Railroad Reform, Enhancement and Efficiency Act, S. 1626, in 2015. In addition to authorizing the Gulf Coast Working Group, the bipartisan measure aims to increase rail safety, reauthorize Amtrak services and improve rail infrastructure.

“Over the next 35 years, another 10 million people will call the Gulf Coast home,” Sarah Feinberg, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, said. “For the region to stay competitive and grow, it needs a strong transportation system that includes passenger rail service. Today brings us closer to returning passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast, and the Federal Railroad Administration looks forward to working the region to put passenger trains back on the tracks.” 

Representatives of the Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak will examine existing rail infrastructure from Louisiana to Florida and explore intercity rail service opportunities.