NEW ORLEANS — The Federal Railroad Administration allocated close to $2.5 million for 11 passenger rail stations on potential routes east and west of New Orleans, bringing the city one step closer to passenger train service to Mobile, Ala., and Baton Rouge, La., The Times-Picayune reports.

Three Louisiana cities will split $375,000 to start planning for passenger rail stops on a future commuter line between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Local governments have put up additional money for station design and development.

The timeline for New Orleans-Baton Rouge service will take several years, according to the report, since  commuter train line has not existed between the two cities previously and a source of local public funding to support the project must be identified before it can move forward. For the full story, click here.