Upgrades coming to Amtrak stations across the state

Leaders gave an update on the state of passenger rail here in the Magnolia state and greater Gulf South.

Local residents and civic leaders gathered at the Hancock Chamber of Commerce Office for that update.

Amtrak Vice President Nichole Bucich talked specifically about working with MDOT to secure funding for the rail project along I-20 in the central part of the state, along with upcoming accessibility upgrades to four existing Amtrak stations on the Coast and across the state.

Knox Ross with the Southern Rail Commission says he’s hoping the stations will open soon. “We hope to start service this year. I mean the biggest problem is some of these decisions are out of our control. We’ve done everything we can do to get our stations ready. Like I said, Bay St. Louis where we are, is ready to receive a train.”

The grant for the project is around $200 million total. Most funds will go towards track work and track improvements.