On Wednesday, May 1, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM local time, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will hold a public meeting concerning the State of Alabama's "Birmingham-Montgomery-Mobile Intercity Passenger Rail Feasibility Study, Phase 2 - Montgomery to Mobile" Portion of the Study (the “Study”) at the Montgomery City Hall Auditorium (103 North Perry Street) in the City of Montgomery.

The State of Alabama, by and through ADECA and its Community and Economic Development Division, is preparing a feasibility study (the Study) concerning the return of passenger rail service to the former “Gulf Breeze” corridor between Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, Alabama.  The Study is being completed in two phases:  Phase 1 pertained to passenger rail service between Birmingham and Montgomery, and Phase 2 pertains to passenger rail service between Montgomery and Mobile.

The purpose of the Study’s Phase 2 is to assess the feasibility of passenger rail service between Montgomery and Mobile, and to determine the necessary elements needed to implement such service.  The Study will also consider the combined effects of passenger rail service along the corridor, with rail connections to existing and proposed east-west Amtrak lines in Birmingham and Mobile.

The public is invited to attend each public meeting at each location during the stated hours on the dates listed above.  Each meeting will be held in an open house style format, where citizens will be allowed to review project information, make comments, and give input. There will be no formal presentations at the public meetings; however, the public will be allowed opportunities to make verbal comments about the Study, and a court reporter will be available to record all such comments.  Written statements concerning the Study may also be made.  All written statements will be accepted through 12:00 Noon on Friday, June 14, 2019, and must be submitted to:

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
Community and Economic Development Division
Post Office Box 5690
Montgomery, AL 36103-5690
Attention:  Kathleen A. Rasmussen, Ph.D., Statewide Initiatives Unit Chief

Written statements may also be emailed to Kathleen.rasmussen@adeca.alabama.gov by the June 14, 2019 deadline.

NOTE:  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information:  The meeting sites are accessible to persons with disabilities.  If you have a disability that might require special services, materials, or assistance, please notify Ms. Teresa Nobles of ADECA by calling 334-242-0492 or by emailing at Teresa.nobles@adeca.alabama.gov by 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.