Potential Impacts of Proposed Passenger Rail Projects on Post Katrina Recovery Efforts in the Greater New Orleans Region

This research will evaluate the impact of the proposed Baton Rouge - New Orleans passenger rail service on the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal and other proposed station locations along the corridor with respect to population projections and development in these areas. Successful passenger rail services developed in Arizona (Railrunner), Maine (Downeaster), North Carolina (statewide passenger rail system development) and Minnesota (Northstar) will be used as case studies to determine the best approach to implementing new rail lines. Also, as part of this project the impact of the proposed NOUPT streetcar will be assessed for its future impact on development dynamics surrounding the downtown terminal as well as the Upper Central Business District.