CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern say the addition of Amtrak trains along the Gulf Coast would cause a “systematic failure” in their ability to provide freight service and would “devastate service to freight customers in the region.” But while they asked for the Surface Transportation Board to deny Amtrak’s application to operate on the route between New Orleans and Mobile, the railroads say they would withdraw their objection if Amtrak agrees to pay for 14 improvement projects involving more than 23 miles of new track.
The Alliance Refinery in Belle Chasse will shut down and be converted into a storage terminal, and many of the 900 people who work at the plant may lose their jobs. The refinery, owned by Phillips 66, has been trying to sell the plant since August, but heavy damage from Hurricane Ida was too expensive to repair.
United Airlines is pruning unprofitable regional routes, including service to Monroe. The carrier will end the service on Jan. 3.
