“The East Mississippi Intermodal Railroad is the missing link in the economic spine of East Mississippi.”

– The Honorable Gil Carmichael, Administrator, Federal Rail Administration (1989-1993).

Mission

The Rail Authority of East Mississippi is working to restore continuous rail service in Southeast Mississippi by developing the East Mississippi Intermodal Railroad. This new 56-mile line will connect with existing shortlines and provide continuous rail service between the Meridian Speedway and the Gulf of Mexico.

Background

The Rail Authority of East Mississippi (RAEM) is an incorporated local government unit authorized by the Mississippi Legislature and established in 2009. Its members include Clarke, George, Greene, Lauderdale, and Wayne Counties. Additionally, RAEM receives financial support from the Jackson County Port Authority. It is the primary sponsor of all activities conducted in support of developing the East Mississippi Intermodal Railroad, and its headquarters is located in Waynesboro, Mississippi.

RAEM is working to re-establish short line rail service in Southeast Mississippi by connecting two existing shortlines, the Meridian Southern Railroad (from Meridian to Waynesboro) and the Mississippi Export Railroad (from Lucedale to Pascagoula). Developing this 56-mile stretch of track, known as the East Mississippi Intermodal Railroad, will connect Waynesboro to Lucedale and thereby create continuous rail service from the major Class I intersections in Meridian, Mississippi to the Gulf Coast ports.

Once only a pipe-dream, this project is on its way to reality