BOYD SUPPORTS RESTORATION OF AMTRAK SERVICE IN NORTH FLORIDA

BOYD SUPPORTS RESTORATION OF AMTRAK SERVICE IN NORTH FLORIDA

New law would seek to restore passenger rail service between New

Orleans, Louisiana, and Sanford, Florida

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) today

announced that the President withdrew his veto threat and signed the

Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 (HR 2095), which would require

Amtrak to submit a plan to Congress for restoring passenger rail service

between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Sanford, Florida.  The North Florida

corridor has not been served by Amtrak since the close of Amtrak's

Sunset Limited service after Hurricane Katrina.

"I am pleased that the President dropped his veto threat and signed this

important bill into law," said Congressman Boyd.  "Since the close of

Sunset Limited, I often hear from constituents about the possibility of

restoring passenger rail service to North Florida.  This study will get

the ball rolling on ways to restore this service that will most benefit

the people of North Florida and help to make train travel an affordable

option in our region."

The language in HR 2095 requires Amtrak to submit a plan to Congress

that will include a projected timeline for restoring service between New

Orleans and Sanford, as well as the associated costs for reinstating

this service.  In developing the plan, Amtrak will consult with

representatives from the States of Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and

Mississippi, railroad carriers whose tracks may be used for such

service, and rail passengers.

Prior to its closing in 2005, Sunset Limited's North Florida stops

included Crestview, Chipley, Tallahassee, Madison, Lake City, and

Jacksonville.

Amtrak recently reported a ridership record for Fiscal Year 2008, which

ended on September 30, with 28.7 million passengers, largely due to high

gas prices.

"Amtrak provided a valuable service to many Floridians," Boyd stated.

"In this time of rising fuel costs, passenger rail service would provide

the people of North Florida with more transportation options and add an

important economic development tool to the area."