Amtrak service through Mississippi between New Orleans and Sanford, Fla., could be restored now that President Bush has signed a five-year authorization of the rail service.

Bush signed the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 into law this past week.

U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., says Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route is important to communities along the Gulf Coast. The route is through Louisiana, Mississippi Alabama and Florida.

Taylor says the act provides $1 million for Amtrak to conduct a study of the Sunset Limited route, which was disrupted by Hurricane Katrina. Amtrak must submit the report within nine months on a projected timeline and costs for restoring service.