WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration announced today $178 million in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program funding to restore Amtrak service from New Orleans to Mobile, Ala. The funding will help to build a platform for the Mobile end of the service, as well as additional track upgrades.
“We’ve been fighting to return passenger trains to the Gulf Coast since it was knocked offline by Hurricane Katrina. That 17-year journey has been filled with obstacles and frustration, but also moments of joy, where local champions and national advocates were able to come together around the vision of a more connected Gulf Coast region,” says Jim Mathews, Rail Passengers Association president & CEO.
The Gulf Coast has not been included as a part of the National Interstate Passenger Rail Network since the devastating impacts of Hurricane Katrina, however freight rail operations resumed and has continued in the region since the natural disaster in 2005. Rail Passengers Association will continue to provide updates as the restoration process unfolds. [see “Amtrak, freight railroads say they have a deal on Gulf Coast service,” News Wire, Nov. 22, 2022.]
Interesting points Charles. Just to put numbers dollars into context, 178 million in 1971 would be worth 1.3 billion in todays dollars. (I realize 178 million is from grant today). Also in late L and N days they were trying to get rid of all p trains not investing in them
Man i gotta see this platform.
So this is the cost, these days, not for a high-speed or high frequency corridor, but rather to get a handful of short trains down the line. Which back in the day the Louisville and Nashville did for less than $178 M’s.
This is the federal portion. How much more from the cities and states? Then of course the operating deficit each day.
What’s my point? My point is that America doesn’t have a viable passenger rail system. And still won’t after all this money is spent at the Gulf.
$1.2 million per mile for upgrade to existing track…just the Fed portion.