This award brings us one step closer to realizing the many benefits that restored passenger service will have for our communities in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

— SRC Chairman Wiley Blankenship

This service will provide jobs, economic development opportunities, and improved connections for residents and additional travel options for tourists. If implemented properly, passenger service will not only create economic success for the Gulf Coast states but will bring connectivity and build communities…I am very encouraged by the possibilities passenger rail service may provide for Mississippi and the entire Gulf Coast.

— Former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant

This restored service will continue the economic recovery of communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, enhance corridor mobility and safety, and allow for safer and more efficient hurricane evacuations by providing a daily passenger service that is business and tourism friendly.

— Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards

On June 3, the Supreme Court gave passenger rail a huge victory by allowing the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak to set on time performance standards, a crucial measure to increase the reliability of passenger rail service.

A new poll being released today shows that 85% of the respondents think it is very important or important to have an intercity rail service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) is pleased to announce the election of Commissioner Wiley Blankenship, President and CEO of the Coastal Alabama Partnership, to the Executive Committee as Secretary/Treasurer. Commissioner Blankenship joins SRC’s Vice-Chairman Knox Ross, former Mayor of Pelahatchie, MS and Chairman John Spain, Executive Vice President of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation in leading the Southern Rail Commission.

The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) regrets that it was unable to apply for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)’s FY17 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety and Improvements (CRISI) funding due to the lack of state funding commitments from Mississippi and Alabama.

Last week, President Trump signed the FY18 omnibus appropriations bill that provides big wins and great opportunities for the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) and for the return of Amtrak's Gulf Coast service.

This afternoon, President Trump signed the FY18 omnibus appropriations bill that provides big wins and great opportunities for the Southern Rail Commission and for the return of Amtrak's Gulf Coast service.