ICYMI: Secretary Buttigieg Breaks Ground on Project to Restore Passenger Rail to the Gulf Coast

USDOT
3 min readOct 23, 2024

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Funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Gulf Coast Rail Improvement Project will return passenger rail service between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region nearly 20 years ago

Secretary Buttigieg joins federal and local leaders to break ground on the project in Mobile, AL

Washington, DC — Yesterday, Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose, and representatives from Amtrak, the Southern Rail Commission, and other local leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement project, which will restore passenger rail service back to the Gulf Coast.

Mayor Stimpson discusses the project with Secretary Buttigieg
Mayor Stimpson discusses the project with Secretary Buttigieg

Once the layover track and platform are completed, Amtrak will resume passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2005. The Biden-Harris administration awarded $178 million for the project through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Secretary Buttigieg smiles with an Amtrak conductor
Secretary Buttigieg smiles with an Amtrak conductor

After the ceremony, Secretary Buttigieg joined Mayor Stimpson at a popular local restaurant to discuss infrastructure investments in the area.

Secretary Buttigieg and Mayor Stimpson at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club
Secretary Buttigieg and Mayor Stimpson at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club

See below to see what they’re saying about the Secretary’s visit to Mobile:

Southern Living: The Restoration Of Railway Route Between Two Southern Cities Destroyed After Hurricane Katrina Has Begun

AL.com: ‘Mayor Pete’ Goes to Callaghan’s: U.S. Transportation Secretary Visits Popular Mobile Bar

AL.com: Buttigieg Credits Infrastructure Package for Making Gulf Coast Amtrak a Reality

Pensacola News Journal: Amtrak is bringing passenger rail service to Mobile, can Pensacola be next?

1819 News: ‘Y’all Aboard!’: Transportation Secretary Buttigieg celebrates Mobile Amtrak groundbreaking

15 News Mobile: Secretary Buttigieg takes part in groundbreaking for Amtrak’s return to Mobile

CBS News Mobile: ‘All aboard!’: Amtrak breaks ground in downtown Mobile

FOX 10 Mobile: ‘Y’all aboard’ — Mobile celebrates return of Amtrak to Gulf Coast

AL.com: Amtrak, I-10, I-65: Buttigieg talks Alabama transportation projects during AL.com Q&A

AL.com: (PHOTOS) Pete Buttigieg Visits Callaghan’s

AL.com: (PHOTOS) Amtrak Groundbreaking in Mobile, Ala., on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024

Pensacola News Journal: (PHOTOS) Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg helps break ground for new Amtrak station in Mobile

Courthouse News Service: Buttigieg celebrates restoration of Gulf Coast rail service

1130 The Tiger: Amtrak Ground Breaking Clears Way for Louisiana Passenger Trains

Trains Magazine: Groundbreaking set for Amtrak facility in Mobile

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