I-20 Passenger Rail Updates

A momentous announcement is on the horizon as the cities of Monroe, Vicksburg, Ruston, and Shreveport join forces for a joint press conference scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2023 at 12:00 PM. The event will take place at 301 DeSiard Street in Downtown Monroe, LA. Residents and stakeholders are invited to participate in this historic unveiling, where the collaborative progress and developments along the I-20 corridor will be shared by the four participating cities. This exciting development follows the revelation on December 8, 2023 by the Southern Rail Commission of a substantial milestone—a $500,000 allocation from the Federal Railroad Administration as part of the Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP). This funding signifies a pivotal stride toward advancing passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. It complements existing investments at federal, state, and local levels and will facilitate the creation of comprehensive service development plans. These plans will cover corridor scope, scheduling, and cost estimates. Mayor Friday Ellis of Monroe expressed gratitude for the Corridor ID award, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and the economic benefits anticipated. Mayor Ellis remarked, "The Corridor ID award announcement is an exciting milestone in the expansion of passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. This transformative initiative is a testament to the dedication of Senator Bill Cassidy, the Southern Rail Commission, Amtrak, CPKC, LA DOTD, our state and federal delegation, and the collective vision of Mayors Walker, Arceneaux, and Flaggs. Together, we are shaping a future that not only connects communities but also fuels economic opportunity, ensuring a brighter, more interconnected future for all. Our commitment remains strong as we work together to make passenger rail service a reality." Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the press conference on December 15 at 12:00 PM at 301 DeSiard Street in Downtown Monroe. All four mayors and key community partners will be present to share this momentous update on the I-20 Passenger Rail initiative.