Return of Rail Service to Destin

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According to a knowledgeable regional planner, the federal government could receive the final report regarding the restoration of passenger rail service to areas in the Gulf Coast as early as the end of this year.
 
Since 2005, Amtrak has suspended its Sunset Crescent route, which ran from New Orleans to Jacksonville. Portions of the infrastructure on this route were damaged when Hurricane Katrina came ashore the Gulf Coast. By 2006, the rail lines destroyed by the storm were rebuilt, but passenger rail service in this area has yet to be restarted. Even before the damage occurred, this portion of the line had a negative reputation due to its routinely late train service. 
 
Those working toward restored service have the goal of daily train transport between New Orleans and Jacksonville. This means that both Orlando and South Florida would have a commuter rail connection from New Orleans.
 
If service is restored, the town of Crestview, FL, would be one of the stops. Before Hurricane Katrina, the town's small railroad depot provided service. Last year, the City Council of Crestview voted in favor of bringing back rail service, according to David Cadle, Regional Council Planning member and Crestview mayor.
 
Although service restoration is not yet certain, Crestview's Community Redevelopment Agency is already planning for the future. The town plans to build a new, ADA-compliant train depot to better serve travelers and comply with federal regulations. Cadle has been Crestview's mayor since 2007, but he isn't sure if the previous rail service had a major economic impact on his town and surrounding areas. According to Cadle, the final report submitted to federal officials will include the estimated passenger turnout as well as the costs of restoring and upgrading rail service to Florida's Panhandle. 
According to Mr. Cadle, he has spoken with the President of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ted Corcoran, with the idea of having trolleys or other unique forms of transportation bring passengers from the depot to area attractions and hotels.
 
On Monday, the Destin City Council also voted to support the rail service. Vikki Garrett from Pensacola, a public transportation planner with the West Florida Regional Planning Council, also shared her thoughts before the vote.
 
Ms. Garrett encouraged the council and city residents to contact U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida with their message of support. Sen. Nelson is currently the ranking member of the Senate committee charged with reviewing the final report, most likely toward the end of the year.
 
Alabama and Mississippi also join Florida and Louisiana in supporting the reestablishment of rail service. According to Garrett, the planning council works closely with CSX Transportation and the Southern Rail Commission.
 
Regional Planning Council Member and Destin City Councilman Jim Foreman reminded attendees that supporting the rail system would also help reduce traffic on U.S. Highway 98. In addition, Mr. Foreman noted it would also provide a boost to the area's economy.
Restoring the rail service also would help boost the area’s economy, he said.
The Okaloosa County Commission has not passed any formal resolutions regarding rail service. However, the Fort Walton Beach City Council approved a supportive resolution in 2009.  

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