Help Passenger Rail System On the Gulf Coast

Here is a copy of the letter we will send to your lawmakers:

I am writing today to urge you to contact the Surface Transportation Board (STB) by March 9 in support of Amtrak’s plan to restore passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast. As the STB considers Amtrak’s plan, it’s vital to recognize the impact this first ruling may have in limiting or advancing passenger rail expansion nationwide.

Passenger rail and freight rail are both important to the American people and our economy. The STB’s decision will be a bellwether for states like ours seeking to access federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to connect our communities and grow our economy. We cannot allow special interests to prevent or delay vitally needed improvements to our passenger rail infrastructure. America needs efficient, sustainable, and equitable access to transportation. 

Please urge the STB to approve passenger rail restoration for the Gulf Coast as the first step toward passenger rail modernization and expansion for states and communities nationwide. These investments will create jobs and economic opportunities in our community, reduce traffic on our crowded highways, and cut carbon emissions — without risk to the delivery of goods and services via freight.

Sincerely,