Amtrak seeks federal funds to expand and upgrade services across the country.

Amtrak is re-introducing plans to expand its long-distance service to the South, including Louisiana, after more than 20 years of contemplation. The company has submitted applications for approximately $716 million in Federal Railroad Administration funding for 16 proposed projects around the country that would improve long-distance reliability, reduce travel times, and expand service. The proposed expansion includes the I-20 Crescent service extension from Mississippi through Louisiana to Texas, which would connect Louisiana's I-20 corridor with Atlanta and Dallas.