Sixteen years ago, Hurricane Katrina’s strong winds and powerful storm surge damaged rail stations and infrastructure along the Gulf Coast rail line. As a result, passenger rail has not operated along it ever since.

Amtrak is targeting a New Year’s Day return to the Gulf Coast line, and its case before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) is expected to conclude soon. Preparations are underway to resume passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans as the Biden Administration prioritizes boosting Amtrak services nationwide.