🚆Could Jackson Be Getting An Amtrak Station?🚆

Good Morning & Happy Sunday!

This week let’s talk about a project that has slipped below the radar for many people across West Tennessee!

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• What Is This Proposal? 📄

• Where The New Train Line Will Run?📍

• Why Jackson Needs This? 🌟

• A Regional Vision 🚉

• Weekly Events For The Kids (Kids Zone)🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family (Family Fun) 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

As plans for a new passenger railway connecting Memphis to Atlanta progress, this groundbreaking project could reshape transportation in the South. Here's what you need to know!

📄 What Is This Proposal? 📄

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has taken a pivotal step by funding a $500,000 feasibility study under its Corridor Identification and Development program.

This initiative, introduced during the Biden Administration, aims to enhance connectivity between cities via passenger rail. With bipartisan infrastructure backing, the project is expected to maintain support under the Trump Administration.

This funding allows for a comprehensive analysis, including infrastructure evaluation, cost estimates, and ridership studies, and sets the stage for identifying the best routes and station locations. The proposal envisions a blend of new tracks and existing freight lines, streamlining the process.

Why now? As the population of Tennessee continues to rise, the need for more efficient and multifaceted travel options is growing. By connecting several Southern hubs, the project promises to be a key for supporting regional growth and reducing road congestion.

📍 Where The New Train Line Will Run? 📍

The proposed "Sunbelt-Atlantic Connector" railway will connect four major cities:

• Memphis

• Nashville

• Chattanooga

• Atlanta

This route is more than just a transportation project; it’s a regional game changer. By linking these economic and cultural hubs, the line offers significant benefits:

1. Job Creation and Economic Boost
   The project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs and generate almost $20 Billion in economic activity over 20 years. Construction, station management, and rail operation roles will bring opportunities across Tennessee and Georgia.

2. Financial Impact
   Railways encourage local spending, with travelers contributing to nearby restaurants, hotels, and shops. Cities along the route can expect increased tourism and business opportunities.

3. Reduced Road Congestion
   I-40, I-25 and I-65 have become notorious for traffic bottlenecks. A passenger rail service provides a faster, stress-free alternative, helping reduce vehicle congestion and wear on road infrastructure.

This development aligns with Amtrak’s broader strategy to expand Southern rail networks, making regional travel more accessible.

🌟 Why Jackson Needs This? 🌟

Located along the I-40 corridor, Jackson, Tennessee, is uniquely positioned to benefit from this project. Here’s why residents and local leaders should rally behind the initiative:

1. Strategic Location
   As the second-largest city in West Tennessee, Jackson is a natural stop for the railway. With its proximity to Memphis and Nashville, a station in Madison County would serve as a critical link, connecting residents to major cities without the hassle of long drives. Jackson’s location is ideal considering that the only other Amtrak station in West Tennessee is in Newbern, a city with a significantly smaller population than Jackson.

2. Traffic Relief
   Nashville-bound travelers from Jackson often encounter heavy traffic. Rail service would alleviate this congestion, offering a smoother, faster, and more affordable alternative.

3. Economic Opportunities
   The railway promises new jobs in construction, maintenance, and tourism-related industries. Jackson businesses could see increased foot traffic from travelers passing through, boosting the local economy.

4. Affordable and Accessible Travel
   For Jackson residents, train travel would provide a budget-friendly option to reach Nashville or Atlanta. This accessibility could enhance quality of life by making family visits, work commutes, or leisure trips more feasible.

Community Support Needed

To make this project a reality, Jackson’s leaders and residents must advocate for addition in the railway’s plans. Many of the proposed routes could likely pass a few miles outside of South Jackson! A strong show of support could influence route planning, ensuring Madison County doesn’t miss out on this massive opportunity.

🚉 A Regional Vision 🚉

The Memphis-to-Atlanta railway represents more than transportation; it’s an investment in Tennessee, Georgia’s & the regions future. By connecting communities, creating jobs, and reducing road congestion, this project has the potential to reshape how Tennesseans live, work, and travel.

Jackson’s involvement is not just desirable, but could be essential for those who like to travel or who have family in those regions. It will further strengthen Jackson’s position as a vital hub in this new era of growth and rail travel throughout the state.

What are your thoughts? Share your view in the poll below and don’t forget to check out our curated list of events happening in and around Jackson next week! ❤️ 

Monday, December 9th

Story Time Station 📖
Date: Monday, December 9th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free 

Tuesday, December 10th

Astronaut 🔭
Date: Tuesday, December 10th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, December 11th

Movie in the Park 🎥
Date: Wednesday, December 11th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Liberty Garden Park & Arboretum
Movie: The Polar Express (Rated G)
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come Out & Join Us For A Classic Comedy Movie In The Park!  There Will Be Cotton Candy, Popcorn & Drinks Available For Purchase.

Thursday, December 12th

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, December 12th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Friday, December 13th

Annie The Musical 🎭
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: This Fun Heartwarming Musical Is For The Whole Family! Join Us For An Entertaining Night With A Holiday Classic. 

Seasonal Stargazing 🔭
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 3:45 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Movie Night In The Bluff 🍿
Date: Friday, November 15th
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Movie: Home Alone (PG)
Price: Free
Additional Details: The Concession Stand Will Be Open!  Nachos, Popcorn, Candy & Drinks Will All Be Available For Purchase!

Saturday, December 14th

$100 Bonus Smash Bros Tournament 🎮️
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: $20 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: Registration Starts At 4:30 PM & The Tournament Begins At 5:00 PM. (Please Bring Your Own Nintendo Switch Controller)

Pizza & Painting With The Grinch
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: (Ticket Required)
Ages: 1 - 13 Years Old (Adult Must Be Present)

Monday, December 9th

Story Time Station 📖
Date: Monday, December 9th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum
Price: Free 

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, December 9th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:Main Library
Price: Free

Tuesday, December 10th

Astronaut 🔭
Date: Tuesday, December 10th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, December 11th

Movie in the Park 🎥
Date: Wednesday, December 11th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Liberty Garden Park & Arboretum
Movie: The Polar Express (Rated G)
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come Out & Join Us For A Classic Comedy Movie In The Park!  There Will Be Cotton Candy, Popcorn & Drinks Available For Purchase.

The Grinch Takes Over Pyro’s 🍕
Date: Wednesday, December 11th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: PYRO'S
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Be Sure To Spread The Word, Until Everyone Has Heard!  The Grinch Will Be A Pyro’s Pizza!  The Location Will Be Transformed Into The Magical Land Of Whoville! So Get Ready To Experience The Sights, Sounds, & Tastes Of Whoville!

Thursday, December 12th

Santa’s Village (40th Anniversary) 🧑‍🎄
Date: Thursday, December 12th
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex
Price: Free Entry (Donations Encouraged)
Additional Details: This Is An Experience Like No Other!  Come Out & Celebrate The 40th Anniversary Of Santa’s Village! There Will Be Over 40 Vendors, Christmas Displays, Food & Loads Of Fun For The Whole Family!

Holiday Job & Career Fair 👷
Date: Thursday, December 12th
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: Please Bring Several Copies Of Your Resume & Come Dressed In Your Best! Interviews Will Take Place On Site For Qualified Candidates. 

Coding Club (Meet Fellow Programmers) 🖥️
Date: Thursday, December 12th
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 9 Years Old & Up

Friday, December 13th

The Nutcracker (Play) 🎭
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: Come Out & Experience The Magic Of The Live Showing Of The Nutcracker For Yourself This Holiday Season!

Lighting Of The Park 🎄
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Chickasaw State Park
Price: Free
Additional Details: Over 1,000 Candles, 5 Miles Of Christmas Displays & A Live Nativity Scene!  Come Share A Small Part Of Your Evening With Us!

Movie Night In The Bluff 🍿
Date: Friday, November 15th
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Movie: Home Alone (PG)
Price: Free
Additional Details: The Concession Stand Will Be Open!  Nachos, Popcorn, Candy & Drinks Will All Be Available For Purchase!

Astronaut 🔭
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Santa’s Village (40th Anniversary) 🧑‍🎄
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex
Price: Free Entry (Donations Encouraged)
Additional Details: This Is An Experience Like No Other!  Come Out & Celebrate The 40th Anniversary Of Santa’s Village! There Will Be Over 40 Vendors, Christmas Displays, Food & Loads Of Fun For The Whole Family!

Christmas At The Carnegie 🎶
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: The Carnegie
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Come Get A Sneak Peek Of All The Things We Have Planned For 2025 & While Enjoying A Wonderful Evening Full Of Music, Art & Theater Performances!

Annie The Musical 🎭
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: This Fun Heartwarming Musical Is For The Whole Family! Join Us For An Entertaining Night With A Holiday Classic. 

Seasonal Stargazing 🔭
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 3:45 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Saturday, December 14th

The Nutcracker (Play) 🎭
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: Come Out & Experience The Magic Of The Live Showing Of The Nutcracker For Yourself This Holiday Season!

Santa Returns To Downtown Jackson 🧑‍🎄
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM & (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Location: City Hall
Price: Free
Additional Details: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town & Will Be Visiting His House In Downtown Jackson!

Songbird Drive-In Theater 🎥
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Birdsong Drive-In Theater
Movie: The Polar Express (Rated G)
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come Enjoy Free Cookies, Milk & Pictures With Santa! (4:00 PM - 5:45 PM) The Polar Express Movie Starts At 6:00 PM.

$100 Bonus Smash Bros Tournament 🎮️
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: $20 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: Registration Starts At 4:30 PM & The Tournament Begins At 5:00 PM. (Please Bring Your Own Nintendo Switch Controller)

Pizza & Painting With The Grinch
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: (Ticket Required)
Ages: 1 - 13 Years Old (Adult Must Be Present)

Santa’s Village (40th Anniversary) 🧑‍🎄
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex
Price: Free Entry (Donations Encouraged)
Additional Details: This Is An Experience Like No Other!  Come Out & Celebrate The 40th Anniversary Of Santa’s Village! There Will Be Over 40 Vendors, Christmas Displays, Food & Loads Of Fun For The Whole Family!

Sunday, December 15th

The Nutcracker (Play) 🎭
Date: Sunday, December 15th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: (Click For Pricing)
Additional Details: Come Out & Experience The Magic Of The Live Showing Of The Nutcracker For Yourself This Holiday Season!

Spring Creek Acoustic Christmas Jam 🎼
Date: Sunday, December 15th
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: The Ledge
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready For A Festive Family Friendly Event. Come Out & Fellowship, Sing Christmas Songs, Carols & Enjoy Great Food!

Santa’s Village (40th Anniversary) 🧑‍🎄
Date: Sunday, December 15th
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Ned McWherter Agricultural Complex
Price: Free Entry (Donations Encouraged)
Additional Details: This Is An Experience Like No Other!  Come Out & Celebrate The 40th Anniversary Of Santa’s Village! There Will Be Over 40 Vendors, Christmas Displays, Food & Loads Of Fun For The Whole Family!