Amtrak Comes to North Louisiana

article by MEREDITH MCKINNIE

The Amtrak trains will stop in the historic downtowns of Jackson, Vicksburg, Monroe, Ruston, and Shreveport. The I-20 Corridor will host the first substantial long-distance passenger rail expansion in 70 years. 

Long-distance passenger rail will soon be a reality in north Louisiana along the I-20 Corridor. The project’s origin dates back decades, thanks to the work of volunteers from the Southern Rail Commission, Transportation for America, and Smart Growth America. The Surface Transportation Board allowed the merger and acquisition of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, now called Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). Governor John Bel Edwards invested $10 million into the study of infrastructure along the I-20 Corridor, of which a portion was used to apply for the CRISI grant, and $12 million for inner city rail between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, better known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, was signed by President Biden in 2021 and allotted $66 billion for inner city and long range passenger rail. Governor Edwards’ initial investment and the approval of federal funding by Congress gave local NELA officials the confidence to collectively lobby for this project. Local delegations (representing Monroe, Ruston, Shreveport, Vicksburg, and West Monroe) showed tremendous support and made it clear that passenger rail was a priority. Mayors Friday Ellis (Monroe), Ronny Walker (Ruston), Tom Arceneaux (Shreveport), and George Flaggs (Vicksburg) showed that there is a two-state partnership between Mississippi and Louisiana by hiring engineers and passing resolutions through their local city councils to get the train stations up and running for the 4 confirmed stops along the I-20 corridor. The Mayors jointly applied for the Fed-State Partnership Grant with Monroe being the lead entity.

Amtrak, which serves 500 communities nationwide, 150 of which are rural, took notice of the I-20 Corridor initiatives and stepped in to be the lead applicant for the Fed-State Partnership Grant to fund the entire route from Dallas to Atlanta. This was a huge win and game-changing announcement. While these grant applications normally occur in phases, Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak realized that they can and should happen concurrently. The federal letter of intent will help make good on the promise of one round trip per day from Meridian to Dallas within two years, and two round trips per day within four years. Mayor Friday Ellis says, “Long range passenger rail will not be a state-supported or subsidized endeavor. No state recurring dollars will have to stand up operating costs of the Corridor.” The Amtrak trains will stop in the historic downtowns of Jackson, Vicksburg, Monroe, Ruston, and Shreveport. Delhi is under consideration for a stop but has yet to be confirmed. The I-20 Corridor will host the first substantial long-distance passenger rail expansion in 70 years. 

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis promises to build a train station that will serve as the “front porch of our community,” in the city-owned parking lot at North 4th and Desiard St. behind Washington Plaza and across the street from Rain the Salon and Standard Coffee. People can interface with passenger rail much differently, as commuters can hop on and off the train and explore our cities. Ellis wants that downtown experience when passengers step off the train, and that starts by creating an attractive station that shows off our community. A benefit of the Monroe station is its proximity to Downtown West Monroe, which helps further connect the Twin Cities. West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell notes that passengers can walk across the Endom Bridge, stroll along Antique Alley, and stay at local Airbnbs, bed and breakfasts, and hotels. Mitchell emphasizes that “Mayor Ellis and I understand that while we are two cities, we are one region, which includes the City of Ruston and our rural parishes. We grow our relationships so we can continue to grow our region. Any new industry or sector improvements benefit all of us.” Mitchell stresses the importance of community participation and involvement from all residents of this region, as the cities and rural parishes share a labor force. This means remaining focused on quality of life projects so people want to stay and create opportunity here. 

The regional benefits of long-distance passenger rail begin with economic development. Mayor Ellis contends that the rail investment will play “a crucial role in driving economic growth, especially for mid-market cities like Monroe.” Along with providing convenient transportation options, it will attract businesses, investors, and tourists, increasing commerce and job opportunities. Rail allows for moving “human potential,” and enables our region to fill critical gaps in our workforce. Secondly, rail expansion enhances regional connectivity. An efficient mode of transportation promotes regional integration and development, allowing residents from rural populations to access employment, education, and healthcare, aiding in balanced regional growth. Thirdly, passenger rail is a sustainable form of transportation, providing an alternative to individual car use, which we know adds to wear and tear of our highways. Trains are more energy efficient and will reduce the carbon footprint for future generations. Trains align with millennial beliefs and behaviors. According to Smart Growth America, 30% fewer millennials own cars, and they look to websites like Walk Score to assess walkability/accessibility of downtown areas. Millennials understand that not having to own a car means more cash on hand. And finally, passenger rail contributes to improved quality of life. It will reduce commute times and lower traffic congestion, provide alternative transportation options for cultural events, sporting events, and concerts. It will transform the travel options for students at ULM, Tech, and Grambling and their families. Traveling physicians and nurses can serve our area residents. The benefits of passenger rail across north Louisiana touches all our residents. 

The revitalization and beautification of Monroe’s historic downtown continues, and Ellis promises projects like the Monroe rail station and downtown development help citizens envision the “boxtop to the puzzle, a clear vision of what we are trying to achieve.” Inspired by the downtown developments in Ruston by Ronny Walker and in West Monroe by Staci Mitchell, Ellis envisions a similar path for Monroe. The Amtrak expansion brings the City of Ruston full circle, as Ruston was founded because of the railroad. Mayor Walker notes the benefits for LA Tech and Grambling students and the institutions themselves for recruitment purposes. When Walker became the Ruston mayor 8 years ago, he looked at what cities did to grow. He began by revitalizing the downtown area, transforming the old water building into the permanent farmer’s market, introducing curbside recycling, and creating 27 miles of walking/biking trails in the city. While lobbying in Washington, Mayor Walker stressed that Ruston was home to one of three National Federation of the Blind (NFB) centers in the country. He notes, “Students from ages 2-99 can get on a train and come to our Center to learn how to deal with their blindness or the fact that they’re going blind.” Mayor Walker adds that “Anytime you can increase mobility, you enhance what you can offer potential and existing companies and businesses.” 

This summer, Monroe Mayor Ellis plans to put in a $4.5 million bid for a marina on the backside of the Rivermarket. The City is working with DEDD (Downtown Economic Development District) to improve Desiard St. with improved roads, sidewalks, and extensive beautification efforts, eventually connecting to areas such as Walnut St, the Garden District, South Monroe, ULM, and Tower Drive. The rail expansion is the lynchpin that makes the City plan visible. Ellis wants passengers to step off the train and experience the sights, sounds, and smells locals have come to know and love. The Mayor spoke about branding the route from Meridian to Dallas, putting local beer, local recipes, and music from the Mississippi Delta to make the ride an experience in itself. Ellis adds, “We have so much potential here. If we do it right, we can tell a whole different story about the City of Monroe.” 

On June 8th, Amtrak executives will be in Monroe for an announcement, a big deal for a community our size. Ellis extends his thanks to Mayors Ronny Walker, Tom Arceneaux, Staci Mitchell, and George Flaggs, noting “We all have unique stories to tell about our communities and they’re all worth telling.” Those thanks extend to Congresswoman Letlow who wrote the first letter of support for the Mayors; to Senator Cassidy, the Southern Rail Commission, and Transportation for America who all made sure the IIJA dollars would be spent in Louisiana; to John Bel Edwards for his investment in this region, and to our local delegations for championing this project. “Because of their leadership, all of this is happening.”