With uncertainty about the future of rail passenger service across the country, many communities are preparing for the potential loss of train stations and service due to funding cuts.
However, Mayor Diane Delaware said she wants citizens to know that she has communicated with Amtrak and the route within Yazoo City is secure.
“Amtrak is very satisfied with its Yazoo City route, and it will continue to maintain its Yazoo City route,” Delaware said, during the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting Monday.
Delaware said about 3,500 individuals arrive at the local Amtrak station annually. She said she sees future potential with the Yazoo City station because of the surrounding Blues Trail historical markers, which attract heavy traffic at the Greenwood Amtrak station.
“Amtrak is open to the idea of having a real station here,” Delaware said. “That does not imply that Amtrak would pay for an indoor station. That is something we would have to do. But Amtrak is supportive of Yazoo City and its effort to open a station.”
Delaware said an indoor station would attract visitors and more traffic if the structure caters to the local history within the Yazoo area, particularly its blues history. She said a station would certainly boost tourism for the community. She also plans to research what potential grants and other funding could assist with spearheading the idea.
But until then, Delaware assures the public its local Amtrak stop isn’t going anywhere.
“Amtrak will maintain its Yazoo City route,” she added. “Any other rumor is untrue.”
