Mobile awarded $21 million grant from Department of Transportation for Gulf Coast Intercity Passenger Rail Service Restoration

January 14, 2025 - Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Shomari C. Figures announced that Amtrak has been awarded a $21 million Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to restore intercity passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast, specifically between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama. This initiative underscores = our commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing connectivity for all communities.

In collaboration with the City of Mobile, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, this project will introduce two daily roundtrip passenger rail services along the Gulf Coast. These services will connect cities along the route that currently lack intercity transportation options, ensuring these communities are connected to Amtrak's broader national network.

According to the FRA, this project has significant potential for economic development, particularly for rural and disadvantaged communities in our region. The R&E funding will cover the remaining expenses for the first year of service, complementing a previously announced grant that finances most of the initial service year. Additionally, funding will be provided for the second and third years to ensure the program's long-term sustainability.

"This is a great investment for Mobile," said Congressman Shomari Figures. "The restoration of passenger rail service between Mobile and New Orleans will not only expand travel options for residents but also drive economic growth and provide crucial connectivity for underrepresented areas. Restoring intercity passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast is vital for promoting regional development, increasing tourism, and improving transportation access for all citizens."