Port urges denial of Amtrak return

The Alabama State Port Authority filed a brief Nov. 3 with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) urging that Amtrak’s Gulf Coast project - passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans - be denied. The ASPA also argued that not enough “appropriate mitigation” has been presented by Amtrak to illustrate no harm would occur to freight operations crucial to the State Docks in downtown Mobile. Amtrak wants to re-start passenger service and operate 28 train trips weekly.  However, since an Oct. 20 filing before the STB, Amtrak doesn’t consider the Port Authority a party to the proceedings, want comment on their alleged concerns. Amtrak believes the Port should not be allowed to present evidence during proceedings or make arguments. In the interim, CSX and Norfolk Southern rail lines have predicted “systematic failure” if improvements are not made to avoid potential delays of up to 2.5 hours at grade crossings. The freight lines’ study identified 14 projects that would cost Amtrak more than $400M to complete before either company could be supportive of passenger rail’s service. Amtrak will review the filings from the railroads and “respond accordingly,” said Marc Magliari, Amtrak spokesperson. Port attorney Robert Wimbish is “alarmed” over Amtrak’s characterization that the state entity is not a “party of record” in the STB case. The Port Authority identified some mitigation efforts that should be considered “to protect (the state docks) from unreasonable impairment.” Among them was to operate a train station away from downtown at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. That location could be located within a new airport terminal planned to open by the fall of 2024. Also, construction of a flyover track to provide the State Docks a direct line between two rail yards in downtown Mobile; and development of a bypass track aimed at decreasing CSX track usage. It’s unclear when the STB might rule in the case. (Source: AL.com 11/04/21) Alabama State Port Authority: Amtrak’s return ‘would be calamitous’ - al.com