TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A federal panel submitted a report to Congress this week recommending passenger rail service return to the Gulf Coast. The Big Bend has been without it for more than a decade.
The Gulf Coast Working Group has spent a year and a half looking into restoring service to the region.
The report released Monday recommends daily round-trip service from New Orleans to Orlando, which means Chipley, Tallahassee and Madison would be on that route.
To restore service to the Gulf Coast, the group estimates it will cost $117 million. The report also asks Congress to act quickly in providing an extra $5 million for planning and project development.
Twelve stations will need repair, but repairs at the three Big Bend stations won't cost as much as other stations. In fact, out of the 12, Tallahassee has the second smallest cost at $280,000.
The Southern Rail Commission applauds the findings in this report.
"We continue to work with our counterparts in Washington," said secretary Knox Ross. "We feel confident that the long-distance service will remain -- and maybe even be better than it is now."
"Congress has identified the route as being of high importance and interest for the public," added chairman Greg White. "Continued investments in our national passenger rail system are vital as our society becomes increasingly mobile."
Despite proposed cuts to long-distance rail service by the Trump Administration, Knox says there's significant support in Congress to fund it.
Also worth noting, the city of Live Oak has expressed interest in building a station. Suwannee County officials have identified $2.5 million to go towards that project.
