The US Government is investing $100,000 to look into reopening a passenger rail service which was discontinued after being devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) agreed the funding following an application from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to study the restoration of the service between Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.
US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said: “Rail has the potential to ease congestion, spur economic growth and create jobs.”
“President Obama’s support for an America built to last is putting people back to work across the country building railroads, roads, bridges and other projects that will mean better, safer transportation and a strong economic foundation for years to come.”
Sections of the Sunset Limited route were suspended because of severe damage after Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast seven years ago.
The restored passenger rail service would connect to the existing Alabama portion of the Amtrak Crescent Route at Birmingham and possibly to a future route between Mobile and Florida, now under discussion among Amtrak and several Gulf Coast mayors.
Birmingham and Montgomery local governments will contribute an additional $100,000 total for the study. The results of the analyses will determine whether it is feasible to also extend the study to Mobile and proceed with the preparation of a Service Development Plan, environmental review and preliminary design.
“Solid planning and thorough analysis is the foundation for successful rail projects,” said Deputy Federal Railroad Administrator Karen Hedlund in a speech to the Gulf Coast Mayors Summit.
“Rail corridors rarely stop at state lines, and it takes a team effort of governors, mayors, legislators, advocacy groups and policy makers coming together to establish a clear vision.”
