Trains Magazine
Mississippi Export Railroad hosts economic development trip
Excursion using CN business cars includes FRA administrator and members of Mississippi congressional delegation
By Trains Staff
MOSS POINT, Miss. – Mississippi Export Railroad hosted federal officials, elected leaders, and regional business executives on a Mississippi Gulf Coast Economic Rail Tour on Wednesday.
The exclusive two-hour rail excursion provided a firsthand look at MSE’s investments and its role in driving job creation and sustaining the broader Mississippi Gulf Coast economy.
The event drew prominent national and state leadership, including Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R.-Miss.), and U.S. Rep. Michael Ezell (R-Miss.). They were joined on the tour by Nicole James, Canadian National’s Southern Region vice president, as well as officials from the Port of Pascagoula, Jackson and George County government, state legislators, and regional economic development partners.
Canadian National loaned MSE seven of its business cars for the trip along a segment of MSE’s 42-mile short line route. The tour kicked off at MSE’s Moss Point headquarters.
“Today’s event is about partnership,” MSE CEO Kate Bourgeois said. “MSE is fortunate to have such strong working relationships with the Port of Pascagoula and Jackson County in recruiting rail-served business and creating jobs. We could not ask for better federal support than what Senator Hyde-Smith, Congressman Ezell, and the entire Mississippi delegation do for the Coast, and we are happy to showcase these partnerships to FRA Administrator Fink.”
The tour directly demonstrated how MSE acts as a force multiplier for local industries by linking Jackson County assets to deep-water shipping lanes and the continental freight network.
Overall, MSE operates 100 miles of track and carries commodities including coal, petroleum and chemicals, forest products, plastics and resins, and metals. With $23 million in capital investment, the MSE connects with ports in Gulfport, Pascagoula and Mobile, Ala., while supporting more than 250 direct and indirect jobs.
“MSE plays a critical role in connecting local seafood, manufacturing, utility, port, and energy-related industries to the national rail network, which allows industries along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to reach markets throughout North America,” Hyde-Smith said. “This is evidence of the good things that happen when we work together at all levels to invest in our future.”
A primary focus of the tour was illustrating how local short-line infrastructure translates into broad regional economic wins, including competitive logistical advantages for Gulf Coast manufacturing centers.
“Our partnership with MSE is critical to the long-term success of Port Pascagoula and the industries we serve,” Port Director Charles Tillotson said. “As we continue investing in rail and infrastructure improvements, strong rail connectivity positions us to attract new business, create jobs and strengthen the regional economy.”