Mississippi could soon be the hub of a significant expansion to the Gulf South's passenger rail network, just as officials are preparing to reopen the Gulf Coast line following Hurricane Katrina.

The proposed line, which Amtrak has had in its plans for two decades, would run alongside Interstate 20 and through the cities of Meridian, Jackson and Vicksburg before continuing through Louisiana and into Texas.

If approved, the expansion would make Jackson one of three cities in the country where passengers can travel long-distance by train in all four directions.