The federal Surface Transportation Board agency turned down objections from freight railroads Aug. 6 allowing Amtrak to move ahead with work to resume passenger train service between New Orleans and Mobile, Ala. The STB dismissed objections from CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway and let Amtrak attempt to gain access to freight lines for passenger trains, which it hopes to begin operating in January. The region has been without passenger service since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Louisiana and Mississippi have supported a resumption, Alabama withheld funding over concern that Amtrak trains would interfere with freight service at the Port of Mobile. The board said the lack of unanimous state support showed the need for a hearing to consider the issues. U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) praised the decision. (Source: AL.com 08/06/21)
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