Senator Roger Wicker's (R-MS) office announced the Federal Railroad Administration awarded $21,117,115 in Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Grant funding to Amtrak for the restoration of intercity passenger rail service with two daily roundtrips along the Gulf Coast between New Orleans and Mobile.

See Sen. Wicker’s press release here.

In response to Senator Wicker’s announcement, Knox Ross, Chair of the Southern Rail Commission, issued the following statement:

“This substantial award represents a historic moment in our effort to restore passenger rail service to communities along the Gulf Coast. The grant allocation will supplement costs associated with the operation of two daily roundtrip services for the first three years of service. As a result, communities spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama will benefit from increased mobility and connectivity. Undoubtedly, this grant allocation is not only a win for passenger rail service, but a win for the communities, economies, and countless residents and visitors across the Gulf Coast and beyond.

The Southern Rail Commission is extremely grateful for our partners, especially Sen. Roger Wicker and his dedicated staff, who have championed the establishment of the R&E program, in addition to their continuous advocacy for passenger rail development and funding. Additionally, the SRC is grateful for the work by Transportation for America in steering the formation of the R&E program. This milestone would not be possible without their continued commitment to passenger rail service restoration and expansion.”