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The SRC engages and informs public and private rail interests to support and influence Southeast rail initiatives.

Latest Updates

Economic Impact of Passenger Rail Expansion on the State of Alabama

This analysis, completed by Jacksonville State University, considers the economic impact of expanding passenger rail service within the state of Alabama. The focus of the analysis is rail service between Birmingham and Mobile and Atlanta and Birmingham. An executive summary of the report is available here.

Mobile City Council commits its support for gulf coast passenger rail restoration

The Southern Rail Commission applauds the Mobile City Council for its leadership and support for restoring passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile. Read more about the overwhelming vote of support below.

SRC Blog

SRC Blog
Southern Rail Commission Congratulates Ray Lang as Incoming AMTRAK Vice President

The Southern Rail Commission congratulates Ray Lang in his incoming role as Amtrak Vice President, state-supported business development.

Plans For Universal Music Destination in Biloxi Reinforce Need for Regional Passenger Rail Service

Universal Music Group announced plans to invest $1.2 billion to bring a UMUSIC Hotel to Biloxi, Mississippi, which will involve transforming the former Broadwater Resort site into a new hotel and entertainment venue.

Press releases

Press Releases
Gulf Coast Passenger Rail Restoration Receives Federal Operating Support

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

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Gulf Coast Passenger Rail Receives Federal Operating Funds

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

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Gulf Coast Passenger Rail Receives Federal Funding

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

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Supreme Court Hands Passenger Rail a Victory

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.

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Poll Shows Wide Support of New Orleans to Baton Rouge 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.

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Blankenship named to SRC Executive Committee

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.

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SRC Statement on CRISI Funding Deadline

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.

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Southern Rail Commission Sees Big Wins in Omnibus Bill

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.

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