UNO gets $150,000 for study of Louisiana's rail system

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The University of New Orleans is beginning a $150,000 study of freight and passenger trains in Louisiana.

The school's Transportation Institute director, Bethany Stich, said in a news release Monday the study will look at potential for economic development and key corridors for investment. She says it also will show where to focus on mitigating safety concerns and rail traffic congestion.

The Louisiana Transportation Research Center is paying for the study.

It will use the system analysis to develop a plan to expand transportation efficiency, cost effectiveness, accessibility and capacity.