Will Amtrak’s Sunset Limited passenger train service once again travel through Pensacola? City officials would like to see that happen.
During today’s Pensacola City Council Committee of the Whole meeting, council members will consider a resolution requesting that Amtrak revive its New Orleans-to-Jacksonville stretch of service.
Since 2005, that stretch has been dormant due to the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina. But, since that time, tracks have been repaired and freight trains are currently riding those rails. In addition, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 requires Amtrak to submit a plan to restore passenger service in the area.
In considering the resolution, Pensacola officials join local governments along the Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle in requesting the service be restored.
The Committee of the Whole meeting is at 3:15 p.m. today at Pensacola City Hall.