RELEASE:
Wicker Announces Amtrak Stop Coming to Marks
Miss. Senator Says Rail Service to Delta Could Boost Economy, Tourism
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today announced that an agreement has been reached between Quitman County officials, Amtrak, and Canadian National Railway to establish a permanent Amtrak stop in Marks, Mississippi. Wicker played an instrumental role in helping the parties achieve a final deal.
“This is a big win for the Delta and for Mississippi,” Wicker said. “Providing rail service to this part of the state will help boost economic development and tourism opportunities, while delivering an alternative means of transportation for tens of thousands of Mississippians. I commend local city and county leaders, Amtrak officials, and Canadian National Railway personnel for their hard work and persistence in reaching this agreement.”
The region has been without a convenient passenger rail stop for two decades. The City of Marks began the process of obtaining an Amtrak flag stop in August of 1995, after the train station in Batesville was closed. According to Quitman County officials, the stop would provide an essential transportation service for approximately 200,000 residents living in nine counties in the north Delta.
5/22/15
Magnolia Tribune
