Routes, 10 stations and more than 100,000 annual riders. Rail is vital to mississippi. I have been a tireless advocate for the restoration of the gulf coast Passenger Service. It was suspended in 2005 after hurricane katerina. With funding support from dot , amtrak in the states im , pleased to report that mississippi, louisiana and alabama are likely again to have this amtrak route and that will give mississippi a third amtrak route. Restoration of the service would support growing populations centers, connect tourist destinations, bring new jobs and improve the regions quality of life. This will make a positive difference for the communities and the people of the mississippi gulf coast. This hearing provides opportunity to examine the state of Passenger Rail and consider how to support existing routes like the southwest chief and restore gulf port gulf coast service. In i introduced along with 2015, senator booker the Railroad Reform enhancement and efficiency act which reauthorized