The federal Surface Transportation Board is getting close to making a decision on whether the Gulf Coast gets its Amtrak route back - from Mobile, Ala., to Mississippi and on to New Orleans and back. The STB issued an order March 11 spelling out questions it wants Amtrak, and freight rail companies, to address at an April 4 evidentiary hearing. Following the latest set of hearings, the board is expected to make a final decision. CSX Transportation has been at odds with Amtrak over the proposed train route for years. Amtrak once traveled along the Gulf Coast but never returned after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Last year, Amtrak filed a petition with the STB to operate the route along the freight-owned railways after failing to reach agreements with freight companies. Alabama leadership and Port of Mobile largely sided with CSX. Mississippi leaders said Amtrak’s return to the Gulf Coast has been delayed too long. The hearings will be held virtually on April 4-5 with the option of extending to April 7-8 if needed. The board’s decision will likely set a precedent for other passenger train access cases across the country. (Mississippi Today 03/14/22) Gulf Coast Amtrak route closer to learning its fate - Mississippi Today
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