Although the details of the deal remain murky, Amtrak and the freight companies that share tracks in the region have agreed to restore passenger train service east of New Orleans.

The three railroads responsible for train service on the Gulf Coast have agreed to restore passenger rail service to the region, though a launch date remains uncertain. Amtrak stopped service east of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina damaged the tracks.
According to an article by Dan Zukowski in Smart Cities Dive, Amtrak, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway, the Alabama State Port Authority, and Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks are working on an agreement to bring Amtrak trains back and have filed a motion with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to postpone hearings until the settlement is worked out. “According to the STB filing, ‘it will take several months’ to resolve all remaining issues and put the agreement into effect. The terms of the settlement are confidential, the filing states.”
In October, a deadline for mediation in the STB case passed, prompting disappointment among advocates of renewing Amtrak service.
FULL STORY: Amtrak, freight railroads agree to restore intercity passenger service to Gulf Coast

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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