The U.S. House of Representatives passed the historic infrastructure bill that will lead to new development opportunities for passenger rail throughout the nation including expanded service targeted by the SRC. This follows the Senate’s passage of the bill in August and President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law with his full support.

This bipartisan bill will allow for critical upgrades to railways and passenger rail connections across the country. The Southern Rail Commission supports the passage of this bill as it will bring modern transportation opportunities for the three partner states, generating positive impacts for growth and expansion as well as economic development.

“The House’s passage of this bill is transformative for our region, and we are one step closer to seeing our vision for passenger rail expansion in the South come into fruition,” said Knox Ross, SRC Chairman. “The bill also contains new funding to support the ongoing work of our commission to bring more connectivity and rail development to the South and along the Gulf Coast.”

This bipartisan bill contains numerous items benefiting passenger rail, aligning with the SRC’s initiative priorities:

Provides $66 billion for passenger rail and another $36 billion that can be applied to passenger rail
Authorizes 10 new commissions based on the SRC model with operating funding support up to a match of $1 million per year
Revises Amtrak’s mission to prioritize connectivity over profits and restructures it’s board of directors to ensure a broader national perspective
Protects long distance service from termination
Requires food and beverage service upgrades as well as improvements to the on-board experience to all passengers

The SRC is currently working with local elected officials and leaders across the South, as well as with their federal delegation and Amtrak, to restore passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast and expand connection opportunities throughout the region.