Calling For Your Support

We would like to encourage our supporters to contact your officials to express your strong support for the Rail Authority of East Mississippi and our efforts to implement the East Mississippi Intermodal Railroad.

Connecting at its northern terminus in Waynesboro and at its southern terminus in Lucedale, the Railroad will restore continuous freight rail service through our region, creating economic and industrial development opportunities for new and existing businesses, particularly those who depend on moving freight such as construction aggregates, forest and wood products, and agricultural commodities. With interstate highways and Class I railroads intersecting in Meridian and an interstate highway, Class I railroad and a major Gulf of Mexico port located in Pascagoula, this project will “close the gap” in freight rail service in East Mississippi and create a truly intermodal linkage with continuous rail service from the Meridian Speedway to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Rail Authority has implemented a strategic approach toward conducting the necessary planning and evaluation to prove the viability of the project and move to the point of construction readiness, as funding has been made available. Contributions from member counties and economic development organizations have allowed the Rail Authority to carry on its annual operations, conduct initial evaluations to test the market and financial feasibility of the project, and perform initial, concept-level planning. In addition, significant funding from the State Legislature over three budget cycles between 2013 and 2015, has enabled the Rail Authority to evaluate environmental impacts and technical and construction feasibility. Remaining funds in hand are being used to complete the environmental review process and gain approvals from the necessary agencies.

We realize the many fiscal demands on the Legislature each year, and sharing your support along with the Rail Authority will allow us to continue our mission. We urge your continued strong support for the Rail Anthority of East Mississippi’s efforts.