The new NARP board has unanimously approved the following resolution in support of returning passenger service between New Orleans and Florida:

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS

             WHEREAS, the National Association of Railroad Passengers (“NARP”) has previously endorsed the re-introduction of passenger rail service along the southern route linking New Orleans, Louisiana to Orlando, Florida, which is being pursued by the Southern Rail Commission (the “Commission”), and

WHEREAS, the Commission has made application to the Federal Railway Administration for the funding of a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery discretionary grant (“TIGER” grant) in order to determine the feasibility of re-establishing this service, and the Commission has also requested NARP to endorse the Commission’s effort in this regard and to also pledge its best efforts to assist with monetary or “in-kind” contributions to this effort, including staff communications and outreach, as well as administrative support for public meetings and review of the report, and

Whereas, NARP continues to support the re-establishment of this route as being vital to creating transportation alternatives through passenger rail service, as well as promoting economic development across the southeastern portion of the United States, now therefore be it

RESOLVED that the NARP Board of Directors hereby endorses and strongly supports the Commission’s application for the TIGER grant, and pledges to assist the Commission with monetary or “in-kind” contributions including staff communication and outreach, as well as administrative support for public meetings and review of the report in order to assist the Commission with the required “matching funds” necessary to successfully procure the federal funding.

            EXECUTED effective this  April 30, 2014 in Washington, D. C.

                                                                                    National Association of Railroad Passengers