NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vicksburg, MS – Monroe – Ruston – Shreveport – The cities of Monroe, Vicksburg, Ruston, and Shreveport are delighted to announce a joint press conference on updates regarding I-20 Passenger Rail on Friday, December 15 at 12:00 PM at 301 Desiard Street in Downtown Monroe, LA. Please join these four cities for the historic and exciting announcement regarding the collaboration and progress happening across I-20. On Friday, December 8, Southern Rail Commission announced the allocation of $500,000 from the Federal Railroad Administration in Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP) funding, a significant milestone in advancing passenger rail service across the I-20 corridor. These funds will supplement federal, state, and local investments and support the development of comprehensive service development plans, including corridor scope, schedule, and cost estimates. Mayor Tom Arceneaux of Shreveport shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Having passenger rail service across North Louisiana, and connecting Dallas and Atlanta through Jackson and Vicksburg, would be both a joy and an economic blessing for Shreveport. I am pleased to see that the Southern Rail Commission has received a $500,000 grant for further study of the passenger line along the I-20 corridor.” Mayor George Flaggs of Vicksburg emphasized the positive impact on safety and quality of life, stating, “Implementing passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor will not only provide a connection to Vicksburg and major cities like Atlanta and Dallas but will also focus on much-needed safety and quality of life improvements for underserved residents within the broader region.” Mayor Ronny Walker of Ruston also shared excitement in this newest development. “The City of Ruston is thrilled to announce that the Southern Rail Commission has received $500,000 in funding for the I-20 Corridor Rail Study. This future investment is a direct result of a great partnership between Vicksburg, Monroe, Shreveport, and Ruston. We look forward to having rail service from our city to all parts of this great country. I want to personally thank Senator Bill Cassidy, Senator John Kennedy, and Representative Julia Letlow for seeing the opportunities this rail service will bring to us and so many others.” Mayor Friday Ellis of Monroe highlighted the collaborative effort and economic benefits, stating, “We are excited and grateful for the Corridor ID award announcement, another sign of progress in the expansion of passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. This transformative initiative is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Senator Bill Cassidy, the Southern Rail Commission, Amtrak, CPKC, LaDOTD, our state and federal delegation, and the collective vision of my colleagues, Mayors Walker, Arceneaux, and Flaggs who stand united in support. Together, we embarked on a journey that not only connects communities but also fuels the engine of economic opportunity, ensuring a brighter, more interconnected future for all. Together, we will continue to work to make passenger rail service a reality.” All four mayors and key community partners will be present at the press conference on December 15 at 12:00 PM at 301 Desiard Street in Downtown Monroe. For media inquires and more information contact: CITY OF VICKSBURG Tiffany R. Pendleton, Esq Chief of Staff (601) 801-3541 email: tpendleton@vicksburg.org CITY OF MONROE Emily Stogner Media Relations Director 318-372-7640 email: emily.stogner@ci.monroe.la.us CITY OF RUSTON Laurel Nerren Communications Director cell: (318) 550-6104 email : laurelnerren@rustonla.gov CITY OF SHREVEPORT Tari Bradford Special Advisor 318-673-5012 email: tari.bradford@shreveportla.gov