Gulf Coast gets $5.4 million for new Amtrak passenger train from New Orleans to Mobile

More money has been awarded to restoring a passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, Mississippi’s U.S. congressmen announced Friday.

A $5.45 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to the Southern Rail Commission will support operating costs for the first three years of train service.

Amtrak would provide two daily round trips from New Orleans to Mobile, with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.

The states of Louisiana and Mississippi have previously committed to support and funding for the route. While Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has not yet agreed to any state funding, the City of Mobile has agreed to support the project.

In August, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced $4.3 million for the rail service, which stopped after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“Restoring passenger rail service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a long-awaited symbol of the progress our state has made in recovering from Hurricane Katrina,” Sen. Roger Wicker said. “Regular service along this route will create jobs, increase quality of life for our residents, and give tourists and travelers a convenient option to access the many amenities along our shore.”