MOBILE, Ala. (October 22, 2024) – A crowd gathered at the Amtrak Legacy Platform along Water Street Tuesday for a major step forward for the Gulf Coast.

United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined local, state and federal officials to break ground on the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement project in Mobile. This highly anticipated project, funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will restore Amtrak passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, a service that has not operated since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The groundbreaking event marked the start of construction for the new layover track and platform. The project is expected to not only enhance regional transportation options but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth along the Gulf Coast. Once completed, the new rail service will offer convenient commuting options between Mobile and New Orleans, providing opportunities for workers and families to connect across cities.

“This project will drive a virtual cycle of economic growth and opportunity,” said Buttigieg. “Estimates suggest that around 6,000 jobs will be created here in Mobile over the next five years, and even more as the rail service brings greater accessibility to the region.”

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose and representatives from Amtrak and CSX also took part in the ceremony, celebrating the bipartisan effort that made the project possible. Their remarks highlighted the long-term vision to enhance mobility and economic resilience along the Gulf Coast.

United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

The restoration of the Amtrak service is seen as a symbol of recovery and resilience for the Gulf Coast. “Nearly 20 years after Hurricane Katrina brought such devastating impact to this region, a new era of passenger rail is at hand,” said Buttigieg. “The return of this service shows the strength and resilience of the communities along the Gulf Coast, ensuring that no matter how long it takes, you never gave up on working to rebuild and what you built is even better than what was here before.”

The Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement project is part of a broader effort to improve transportation infrastructure nationwide. With new federal funding driving progress, the future of passenger rail on the Gulf Coast promises not only to reconnect cities but also to strengthen the economy and create new opportunities for growth in the region.

Once service resumes, residents of Mobile will have a direct link to New Orleans and the broader Amtrak network, opening doors for tourism, commerce and regional development.

This marks a transformative moment for both the city of Mobile and the entire Gulf Coast region, ushering in a new era of transportation and connectivity.