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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) today supported passage of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (HR 6003), which would require Amtrak to submit a plan to Congress for restoring passenger rail service between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Sanford, Florida. The North Florida corridor has not been served by Amtrak since the close of Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service after Hurricane Katrina.
“Since the close of Sunset Limited, I often hear from constituents about the possibility of restoring this important service to North Florida,” said Congressman Boyd. “This legislation will get the ball rolling on ways to restore this service that will most benefit the people of North Florida and help to make train travel an affordable option in our region.”
The language in HR 6003 requires Amtrak to submit a plan to Congress that will include a projected timeline for restoring service between New Orleans and Sanford, as well as the associated costs for reinstating this service. In developing the plan, Amtrak will consult with representatives from the States of Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, railroad carriers whose tracks may be used for such service, and rail passengers.
Prior to its closing in 2005, Sunset Limited’s North Florida stops included Crestview, Chipley, Tallahassee, Madison, Lake City, and Jacksonville.
“Amtrak provided a valuable service to many Floridians,” Boyd stated. “In this time of rising fuel costs, passenger rail service will provide the people of North Florida with more transportation options and add an important economic development tool to the area.”
HR 6003 now awaits consideration by the Senate.
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