CHIPLEY - Amtrak once again might ride the Deep South rails it abandoned three years ago.
   
Congress currently is considering legislation aiming to restore passenger rail service between New Orleans and North Florida, which has not been serviced by the company since the route, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited, ceased in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Florida stops had included Crestview, Chipley, Tallahassee, Madison, Lake City and Jacksonville.
   
The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (HR 6003) would require Amtrak to submit a plan to Congress for restoring the service. The plan must include a timeline and cost estimates.
   
“Since the close of Sunset Limited, I often hear from constituents about the possibility of restoring this important service to North Florida,” said U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello. “This legislation 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 bill awaits consideration by the Senate.

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