Following Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson's statement that Amtrak service would return in mid-2025, the City offered more information on the status of the project they say is not a City project.
While an exact date has never been set, Amtrak officials were aiming for an early 2025 start. On Thursday, Stimpson said during the State of the City and County breakfast that the project will open later in the year.
Mobile's director of communications, Jason Johnson, told 1819 News the construction needed for the service to resume is not a city of Mobile project.
"That's going to be a combination of CSX and Amtrak working together to make the improvements needed to resume passenger services," Johnson stated. "The city doesn't have any control over its timeline."
Johnson said the City has done its part by issuing an easement and permits.
Last year, the city council passed a resolution agreeing to pay over $3 million over three years to bring the Gulf Coast Rail back since it was halted after Hurricane Katrina.
The Alabama Port Authority will contribute $1 million over three years. Stimpson previously said he hopes Alabama will also contribute $1 million.
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded a $178.4 million grant for the project.
In October, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joined Amtrak representatives and City leaders for the groundbreaking of the new Amtrak facilities. Work will be done on the Amtrak layover track and platform, and crews are upgrading the track and station.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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