i | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

Federal Railroad Administration

North Rail Connector Project 

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Submitted Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332 (2)(c) 

By the 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Federal Railroad Administration 

RPD-211208-001
ii | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Cover Page........................................................................................................................... i 

Table of Contents................................................................................................................ ii

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 

2. Project Location ........................................................................................................... 1 

3. Purpose and Need Statement........................................................................................ 2 

3.1. Purpose of the Project ......................................................................................... 2 

3.2. Need for the Project ............................................................................................ 2 

4. Alternatives .................................................................................................................. 2 

4.1. Alternatives Considered But Removed from Further Consideration.................. 2 

4.2. No-Build Alternative .......................................................................................... 2 

4.3. Build Alternative................................................................................................. 3 

4.4. Selected Alternative ............................................................................................ 3 

5. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences........................................... 3 

6. Commitments and Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... 6 

7. Coordination and Consultation..................................................................................... 7 

7.1. Public and Agency Involvement......................................................................... 7 

7.2. Comments Received During 30-Day EA Public Review .................................. 7 

8. Conclusion.................................................................................................................... 8 

Appendix A: EA Public and Stakeholder Notices

Appendix B: EA Comments

RPD-211208-001
1 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

1. Introduction

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jackson 

County Port Authority’s (JCPA) North Rail Connector Project (the Project). FRA is administering Fiscal 

Year 2018 funding for the Project under Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement 

(CRISI) grant program. FRA is the lead federal agency under National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 

(NEPA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a cooperating agency for the EA. The 

Southern Rail Commission (SRC) is the recipient of the CRISI grant funding, JCPA is the Project 

Sponsor and rail owner, and Mississippi Export Railroad (MSE) is the railroad operator. JCPA is 

conducting engineering design and acting in coordination with SRC and FRA. JCPA will be responsible 

for obtaining necessary permits, construction, and any mitigation requirements. MSE, as operator, will 

acquire right-of-way without using federal funds, and will be responsible for maintenance activities. The 

new rail will be granted to MSE after 1,000 rail cars are exchanged across the North Rail Connector. 

The EA evaluated and assessed the environmental impacts of the proposed Project. The EA examined a 

Build Alternative and a No Build Alternative. FRA and JCPA selected the Build Alternative as the 

Preferred Alternative. FRA made the EA available for 30-day agency and public comment beginning on 

October 24, 2021.

FRA prepared the EA pursuant to: NEPA (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.), and implementing regulations (40 

CFR Parts 1500-1508), 23 CFR § 771; 23 U.S.C. § 139; Section 4(f) of the United States Department of 

Transportation Act (49 USC §303) and implementing regulations (23 CFR Part 774); National Historic 

Preservation Act (54 USC §306101 et seq.) and implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800); Clean Air 

Act as amended (42 USC §7401 et seq.) and implementing regulations (40 CFR Parts 51 and 93); the 

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC §1531- 1544) and implementing regulations (50 CFR Part 

402); the Clean Water Act (33 USC §1251- 1387) and implementing regulations (33 CFR Parts 320 to 

324 and 40 CFR Part 230 and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Public 

Law 94-265 as amended by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 

Reauthorization Act (P.L. 109-479) and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property 

Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 4601). FRA made this Finding of No 

Significant Impact (FONSI) based on information and analysis in the EA. The EA is incorporated by 

reference to this FONSI.

2. Project Location

The location of the proposed Project would be in Section 19, Township 7 South, and Range 5 West of 

Jackson County, MS. The approximate center point of the proposed rail is at 30.415546 degrees latitude 

and - 88.514452 degrees longitude. The new rail resulting from the Project would extend from mile post 

2.89 (30.251207/-88.310005) on the north and extend to mile post 2.05 (30.413308/-88.508269) on the 

east where it would join existing rail that runs to the Kreole Interchange located within the MPITC. The 

Project Area is located mostly within undeveloped marsh and wooded uplands. The Project Area is 

bordered on the north by the tidal marsh that borders the Escatawpa River; on the west by tidal marsh 

followed by the existing MSE rail line and the Highway 63 high-rise bridge; on the south by wooded 

uplands and residential properties along Orange Grove Road/Elder Street; and on the east by wooded 

uplands. For more information see Section 1.1 of the EA.

RPD-211208-001
2 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

3. Purpose and Need

3.1 Purpose of the Project 

The purpose of the proposed Project is to provide additional railroad capacity and connectivity between 

existing infrastructure to support the growing needs of the Port of Pascagoula, Bayou Casotte Harbor. 

Currently, freight trains that travel from the north on the MSE line must pass through downtown Moss 

Point and Pascagoula to the Pascagoula Interchange to join CSX rail. This operation regularly blocks 

vehicular traffic and creates delays at four major roadway intersections. 

3.2 Need for the Project 

The proposed Project is needed to remove operational conflicts between railroads, reduce congestion, and 

accommodate the proposed restoration of passenger rail service.

The need for the proposed Project is supported by the following goals: 

1. Achieve a more streamlined and seamless interchange of operations between MSE and CSX; 

2. Remove freight operations from CSX’s rights-of-way (ROW) along its main line that could aid in 

reducing congestion and accommodating other freight operations;

3. Reduce potential conflicts with the proposed, restored intercity passenger rail service from New 

Orleans, LA to Mobile, AL; and, 

4. Allow MSE to operate longer trains that are pulled by six-axle locomotives as the current track 

has a tight curve that is hard for larger trains to navigate.

For more information see Section 1.2 of the EA. 

4.0 Alternatives 

4.1 Alternatives Considered But Removed from Further Consideration 

Prior to initiation of the NEPA process, six location or construction alternatives were considered by 

Project Sponsor. Section 2.1.1 of the EA describes each of these alternatives, and the reasons why they 

were determined to not meet the need and purpose of the proposed Project or could not be reasonably 

constructed. 

4.2 No Build Alternative 

The No-Build Alternative was considered in the EA and analyzes what would happen if there are no

Project improvements in comparison to the Build Alternative. The No-Build Alternative was not selected 

because it would not meet the purpose and need of the project. Under the No Build Alternative, a new rail 

layout to connect MSE and the JCPA line at the interchange located within the MPITC would not be 

constructed. The connectivity and capacity of the line would remain unchanged. The existing rail line that 

passes through downtown Moss Point and Pascagoula would remain operational and conflicts with MSE 

and CSX freight operations would continue to occur at the downtown Pascagoula Interchange. Rail would 

not be freed up for use for the potential passenger rail operations planned for the area. 

RPD-211208-001
3 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

4.3 Build Alternative 

The Build Alternative would begin at mile post 2.89 south of the Escatawpa River swing bridge and end 

at mile post 2.05 where it ties into existing rail that provides access to the MPITC. The new rail would be 

constructed at the same elevation as the existing rail; however, it will be constructed on pilings instead of 

on fill. Construction would be from existing rail in order to avoid impacts to the marsh outside of the 

proposed footprint. The single track railbed would be 15 feet wide and the elevation would be 

approximately 5 feet above the mean high tide.

The Build Alternative would cross over approximately 3,265 feet of marsh wetlands and 394 feet of 

uplands. This distance over the wetlands would allow use of elevated rail. This alternative includes 2,852 

feet of elevated rail over marsh, approximately 413 feet of rail on fill through marsh and 394 feet of new 

or modified rail on uplands. An existing road crossing over Orange Grove Road would be relocated 

approximately 475 feet to the west to provide a curve that will accommodate longer trains and faster 

speeds. This alternative would impact approximately 0.90 acres of wetlands from fill at the elevated rail 

pilings and abutments and through the 413 feet of marsh. Mitigation would be required, and a draft 

Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan was prepared and submitted to and approved by National Marine 

Fisheries Service (NMFS), USACE and Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR). The plan 

includes creation of approximately 1.0 acres of tidal marsh. Construction is expected to take 

approximately one year, and cost approximately $15 million. For more information see Section 2.3 of the 

EA.

4.4 Selected Alternative 

The Selected Alternative for the North Rail Connector Project is the Build Alternative, as described 

above, and in further detail in Section 2.3 of the EA. The Selected Alternative best meets the purpose and 

need of the Project. The main distinguishing features of the Selected Alternative is its ability to safely 

allow train speeds of 20-25 mph, while minimizing impact to the environment and surrounding 

community. 

5. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Based upon the EA, FRA concluded the Selected Alternative will have no foreseeable significant impact 

on the quality of the natural and human environment. FRA finds the Selected Alternative is best able to 

achieve the Project’s purpose and need without significant environmental impacts. 

Chapter 3 of the EA described the affected environment, defined the Study Area, and explained the 

analysis methodology for each resource. Chapter 4 of the EA analyzed the potential temporary and longterm effects of the Project to each resource. As noted in Section 4.13 of the EA, in accordance with

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and its implementing regulations (36 CFR 

Part 800) FRA determined, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, that the Project 

would have no effect to historic properties. Additionally, FRA’s environmental review for the Project 

included an analysis of potential impacts to resources protected under Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act of 

1966. There are no publicly owned parks, recreation areas, historic sites (publicly or privately owned), 

wildlife and waterfowl refuges or other types of publicly owned lands within the Project area. See Section 

4.14 of this EA for more information. A summary of other potential effects is provided below:

RPD-211208-001
4 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

Anticipated Impacts to Affected Environment Resources for the Selected Alternative

Affected Environment Resources Anticipated Impacts – Selected Alternative 

Air Quality Construction: Minor and temporary impacts 

due to construction activities. 

Operational: Long term net benefit due to 

decrease of vehicle emissions from freight 

volume transferring from highways to rail 

system. 

Water Quality Construction: Minor and temporary impacts 

due to construction activities. Construction 

discharges are controlled by implementation of 

a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. 

Operational: No long term impacts associated 

with operation of the Project. 

Noise and Vibration Construction: minor and temporary impacts 

due to construction activities (trucks and heavy 

equipment operation) may occur. Temporary 

vibration impacts from pile driving. 

Operational: Two properties are within the 

Moderate Impact zone for noise. These 

properties are in an area where the railroad 

already exists, so there are no new impacts 

from the Build Alternative. No properties 

would be significantly negatively impacted by 

vibration associated with operation of the 

Project. No long term impacts to adjacent 

properties.

Wetland Areas Construction: Permanent impact due to 

approximately 0.90 acres of wetland from 

filling. Impact is mitigated by creation of 1.0 

acres of tidal wetlands. 

Operational: None

Floodplains Construction: Fill of 413 linear feet of marsh 

and would reduce the floodplain function at 

this location. Filling of approximately 0.90 

acres of wetlands would be offset by creation 

of approximately 1.0 acre of tidal wetlands. 

This is “in kind” wetland creation and would 

allow the floodplain function of flood 

protection to continue. 

Operational: No reduction in the function of 

the floodplain due to operation of the Project. 

With implementation of the Project’s in-kind 

tidal wetland creation, there would be no 

significant encroachment on floodplains as 

defined in US DOT Order 5650.2. 

RPD-211208-001
5 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

Endangered Species or Wildlife Construction: Temporary disturbance of the 

area during construction. 

Operational: No long term adverse impact. 

USFWS concurs that filling of wetlands “may 

effect but is not likely to adversely affect” the 

Alabama Red-bellied Turtle. With 

implementation of the PRMP, NMFS concurs 

the proposed Project would not have an adverse 

effect on EFH in the area. Project

Use of Energy Resources Construction: Minor impacts due to 

construction activities. 

Operational: Long term beneficial impacts. 

Aesthetic and Design Quality Impacts Construction: Minor and temporary due to the 

presence of construction equipment. 

Operational: None

Land Use and Community Facilities Construction: None

Operational: None

Socioeconomic Environment Construction: Temporary positive impacts to 

employment and income from construction 

activity. 

Operational: Fuel and cost savings related to 

freight shipping. Long term positive impacts to 

employment at the Port of Pascagoula and 

potential tenants. 

Environmental Justice Construction: None

Operational: None 

Public Safety and Hazardous Materials Construction: None

Operational: None 

Cultural Resources Construction: None

Operational: None 

Section 4(f) Properties Construction: None

Operational: None 

Solid Waste Disposal Construction: Minor and temporary due to 

construction waste

Operational: None

RPD-211208-001
6 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

6. Commitments and Mitigation Measures

As described in Chapter 4 of the EA. JCPA is required to comply with all applicable federal, state, 

and local laws and permitting requirements during the implementation of the Selected Alternative. 

The following commitments and mitigation measures were identified in Chapter 4 of the EA to 

address and reduce adverse impacts of the Project. Additional measures may also be implemented 

as necessary and as identified. JCPA is responsible for ensuring all environmental commitments 

identified in this FONSI are fully implemented. 

Noise and Vibration: Construction noise will be limited to daytime hours at various locations along the 

Project corridor. The construction noise impacts will be mitigated as necessary by implementing the 

following:

• Avoid nighttime construction in residential neighborhoods.

• Locate stationary construction equipment as far as possible from noise sensitive sites. Re-route 

construction-related truck traffic along roadways that will cause the least disturbance to residents. 

• Monitor and maintain equipment to meet noise limits.

• Minimize the use of generators to power equipment.

• Limit use of public address systems.

Wetlands and Floodplains: The Grantee will provide mitigation for impacts to 0.90 acres of wetlands by 

implementation of a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan (PRMP). The PRMP includes creation of 

approximately 1.0 acre of tidal wetlands to replace that impacted by the Project by fill at the elevated 

rail abutments and approximately 413 linear feet of wetlands. This is “in kind” wetland creation and 

would allow the floodplain function of flood protection to continue. With implementation of the Project’s inkind tidal wetland creation, there will be no significant impact to wetlands or encroachment on floodplains as 

defined in US DOT Order 5650.2.

Hazardous Materials: In order to identify potential hazardous materials that may be encountered during 

construction, JCPA will ensure that a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is prepared for the proposed 

Project area within 6 months prior to construction. Any recognized environmental condition identified that has 

the potential to impact the Project Area will be addressed by JCPA to ensure the appropriate responsible party 

maintains responsibility for any regulatory requirements for remedial actions or environmental closure. 

Air Quality: In order to mitigate emissions, construction activities will be performed in accordance with 

construction level Best Management Practices. Strategies that will be considered during construction include:

• use of dust suppression measures such as a water truck on unpaved areas; 

• apply water suppression at least twice a day to all active construction areas to minimize dust;

• tarp all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials or require that all trucks maintain at least two feet

of freeboard; 

• use water sweepers to sweep all paved access roads, parking areas and staging areas at construction sites 

daily, use water sweepers to sweep all streets daily if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent public 

streets;

• hydroseed or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers to inactive construction areas (previously graded areas 

inactive for ten days or more); • enclose, cover, water twice daily or apply (non-toxic) soil binders to exposed 

stockpiles (dirt, sand, etc.); 

• limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour; 

• introduce appropriate erosion control measures to reduce sediment runoff to public roadways;

• replant vegetation as quickly as possible to minimize erosion in disturbed areas; 

RPD-211208-001
7 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

• use alternative fuels for construction equipment;

• when feasible, minimize equipment idling time, and maintain properly tuned equipment.

Water Quality: Stormwater runoff during construction will be managed by using best management practices 

including silt fence or turbidity curtains. Stormwater management from the upland portion of the Project 

would be tied into the stormwater management features of the existing rail.

Traffic: Temporary impacts may be associated with construction with trucks and machinery in the area. A 

temporary detour, for approximately three weeks to a month, may be required during the relocation of the rail 

crossing. At least 7 days prior to establishing a detour on Orange Grove Road, the adjacent residents, the City 

of Moss Point and emergency response providers will be notified of the road closure.

Cultural Resources: JCPA will ensure that fill is obtained from a MDEQ permitted dirt pit. JCPA will 

provide SHPO with more information regarding the source of the fill material prior to start of construction. In 

the event that Native American artifacts or human remains are inadvertently encountered during construction, 

JCPA will immediately stop work and contact the FRA, SHPO, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and 

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. 

7.0 Coordination and Consultation

7.1. Public and Agency Involvement 

FRA and JCPA coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies; railroads (MSE and SRC); Federallyrecognized tribes; and the public while preparing the EA. FRA informed the public, and the entities they 

consulted with during preparation of the EA, of the 30-day comment period on the Draft EA through a 

notice in the Press Register on October 24, 2021 and direct e-mail correspondence (see Appendix A). 

FRA posted the EA to a project website at the start of the 30-day public and agency review. Notice of the

comment period was also posted to the Federal Infrastructure Permitting Dashboard. A hard copy of the 

EA was placed at the City of Moss Point City Hall for review. For more information see Chapter 5 of the 

EA. 

7.2. Comments Received During 30-Day EA Public Review 

Mississippi State Historic Preservation Office responded by email/letter on October 25, 2021, that they 

had reviewed the EA and had no objection to the assessment.

None of the comments received during the 30-day public and agency comment period required any 

changes to the EA (see Appendix B). No comments expressed concern that the Project would have 

significant impacts to the natural or human environment.

RPD-211208-001
8 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

8. Conclusion

FRA finds that the North Rail Connector Project as presented and assessed in the attached EA; associated 

technical reports; mitigation measures required; and comments offered by agencies, stakeholders, the 

public on this record, satisfies the requirements of NEPA (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq.), Council on 

Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and 23 CFR § 771. The Selected

Alternative would have no foreseeable significant impact on the quality of the human or natural 

environment provided it is implemented in accordance with the commitments identified in this FONSI,

Jackson County Port Authority will be responsible for conducting all mitigation including the Permittee 

Responsible Mitigation Plan and conducting ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the mitigation area 

and ensuring that the mitigation commitment is fully implemented. FRA also satisfied requirements under

Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act of 1966. The EA provides sufficient evidence and analysis for FRA to 

determine that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for the North Rail Connector Project as 

presented.

Jamie P. Rennert Date

Director, Office of Infrastructure Investment

Federal Railroad Administration

FRA’s Office of Railroad Policy and Development, with assistance from FRA’s Office of Chief Counsel, 

prepared this document in 2021 in accordance with 23 CFR § 771. For further information regarding this 

FONSI contact:

Amanda Murphy

Environmental Protection Specialist

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Phone: 202-339-7231

Email: Amanda.murphy2@dot.gov

The following organization(s) assisted FRA’s Office of Railroad Policy and Development in the 

preparation of the attached Environmental Assessment:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District

Jackson County Port Authority

RPD-211208-001

Jamie P. Rennert 12/14/2021
9 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

Appendix A: EA Stakeholder and Public Notices 

RPD-211208-001
RPD-211208-001
From: Murphy, Amanda (FRA)

To: Murphy, Amanda (FRA)

Cc: "sfeathers@portofpascagoula.com"

Bcc: "Rudolph.C.Villarreal@usace.army.mil"; "Greg.Christodoulou@dmr.ms.gov"; "willa.brantley@dmr.ms.gov";

"FBass@mdeq.ms.gov"; "cspan@mdeq.ms.gov"; "hbell@mdah.ms.gov"; "bwhite@mdah.ms.gov";

"david_felder@fws.gov"; "January.Murray@noaa.gov"; "KCarleton@choctaw.org";

"ithompson@choctawnation.com"; "mmiller@mserr.com"; "lmorrison@comptonengineering.com";

"Rashard_Howard@csx.com"; "Will_Roseborough@csx.com"; "mwilliams@mdeq.ms.gov";

"anika.morgan@cityofmosspoint.org"; "msilverman@cityofpascagoula.com"; "nicole.hodges@mmns.ms.gov";

"cwalters@mdot.ms.gov"; "dseyfarth@mdot.ms.gov"; "agreer@portofpascagoula.com";

"msmith@portofpascagoula.com"; "joey@comptonengineering.com"; "Brian_Fulton@co.jackson.ms.us";

"melton_harris@co.jackson.ms.us"; Dixon, Marc (FRA); Martin, Andrea (FRA); Osterhues, Marlys (FRA);

"makingadifference@Jccivicaction.org"; "sue.wright@cityofmosspoint.org"; "donna.joseph@cityofmosspoint.org";

"gfreeland@jcedf.org"; "steve@renfroe.us"; Munz, Pauline (FRA)

Subject: Public Review: North Rail Connector Project (Moss Point, MS) Environmental Assessment

Date: Friday, October 22, 2021 3:00:00 PM

Dear Interested Party,

The purpose of this email is to invite you to review and provide comments on the North Rail

Connector Project Environmental Assessment (EA). The public comment period will be open until

Wednesday, November 24, 2021. A public notice announcing the availability of the EA for review

will be published in the a local newspaper (Press Register) on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Mobile District, prepared the EA to analyze the effects of the Jackson County Port Authority’s (JCPA)

proposed North Rail Connector Project on the natural and human environment. The EA was

prepared pursuant to National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and coordinated with the

requirements for other federal environmental laws including, but not limited to the, National

Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Water Act.

The proposed project would connect rail owned by Mississippi Export Railroad that crosses over the

Escatawpa River just east of Highway 63 in Moss Point, Mississippi to an existing JCPA-owned rail line

that crosses through the Moss Point Industrial and Technology Complex. The purpose of t

proposed project to provide additional railroad capacity and connectivity between existing

infrastructure to support the growing needs of the Port of Pascagoula, Bayou Casotte Harbor. The

proposed project is needed to remove operational conflicts between railroads, reduce congestion,

and accommodate the proposed restoration of passenger rail service.

The EA is available to review at: https://railroads.dot.gov/environment/environmentalreviews/north-rail-connector-project. A hard copy of the EA is also available for review in the public

documents room at Moss Point City Hall: 4320 McInnis Ave, Moss Point, MS 39563.

If you have any comments, please email them to me by November 24, 2021.

Thank you,

Amanda Murphy

Environmental Protection Specialist

Federal Railroad Administration

RPD-211208-001
10 | Page

Finding of No Significant Impact

North Rail Connector Project

Appendix B: EA Comments

RPD-211208-001
October 25, 2021

Amanda Murphy, Environmental Protection Specialist

Environment and Project Engineering Division

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

West Building, Mail Stop 20

Washington, DC 20590

RE: North Rail Connector Project Draft Environmental Assessment (FRA), MDAH

Project Log #10-144-21 (04-060-21), Jackson County

Dear Ms. Murphy:

We have reviewed your October 20, 2021, Draft Environmental Assessment, received

on October 25, 2021, for the above referenced project in accordance with our

responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and 36 CFR

Part 800. After review, we have no objections to the assessment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Hayley E. Smith

Federal Programs Specialist

FOR: Katie Blount

State Historic Preservation Officer

P.O. Box 571

Jackson, MS 39205-0571

601-576-6850

mdah.ms.gov

Board of Trustees: Spence Flatgard, president | Hilda Cope Povall, vice president | Kimberly L. Campbell | Nancy Carpenter | Betsey

Hamilton | Web Heidelberg | Edmond E. Hughes Jr. | Mark E. Keenum | Helen Moss Smith RPD-211208-001
From: Lindsey Bilyeu

To: Murphy, Amanda (FRA)

Subject: RE: Public Review: North Rail Connector Project (Moss Point, MS) Environmental Assessment

Date: Tuesday, November 23, 2021 10:22:53 AM

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Do not click on links or

open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Ms. Murphy,

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma thanks the FRA for providing the correspondence regarding the

above referenced EA. The Choctaw Nation Historic Preservation Department has no comments to

offer at this time.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Thank you,

Lindsey D. Bilyeu, MS

Senior Section 106 Reviewer

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Historic Preservation Department

Office: (580) 642-8377

Cell: (580) 740-9624

This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed

and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure. If

you have received this message in error, you are hereby notified that we do not consent to any

reading, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message. If you have received this

communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy the transmitted

information. Please note that any view or opinions presented in this email are solely those of

the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Choctaw Nation.

RPD-211208-001
 

 November 22, 2021 F/SER46/JM:rs

 225-380-0089 

Ms. Amanda Murphy, Environmental Protection Specialist 

U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration

Environmental and Project Engineering Division 

Office of Infrastructure Investment 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, Southeast

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Ms. Murphy: 

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received your email dated October 22, 

2021, including a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act for the North Rail Connector project. The Federal Railroad 

Administration (FRA) is the lead federal agency for this project and responsible for ensuring 

compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act; P.L. 104-297). The applicant, the Jackson County Port Authority, proposes to 

discontinue use of a section of rail line, construct a new rail connection to the existing rail line 

using elevated pilings, and fill 0.90 acre of estuarine wetlands east of Highway 63 in Jackson 

County, Mississippi. 

The wetlands in the vicinity of the project consist of tidally influenced brackish marsh. Water 

bottoms in the project area are composed of a mixture of sand and mud substrates. The proposed 

project is in an area potentially designated as essential fish habitat (EFH) for various life stages 

of federally managed species, including red drum, brown shrimp, and white shrimp. The 

primary categories of EFH affected by project implementation, are estuarine emergent wetlands, 

estuarine water column, and estuarine water bottoms. Detailed information on federally 

managed fisheries and their EFH is provided in the 2005 generic amendment of the Fishery 

Management Plans for the Gulf of Mexico prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 

Council. The generic amendment was prepared as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

In addition to being designated as EFH for various federally managed fishery species, wetlands, 

and water bottoms in the project area provide nursery and foraging habitats for a variety of 

economically important marine fishery species such as blue crab, gulf menhaden, spotted sea 

trout, sand trout, southern flounder, and striped mullet. Some of these species serve as prey for 

other fish species managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (e.g., mackerels, 

snappers, and groupers) and highly migratory species managed by NMFS (e.g., billfishes and 

sharks). Wetlands in the project area also produce nutrients and detritus, important components 

of the aquatic food web, which contributes to the overall productivity of the Pascagoula Bay 

estuary.

RPD-211208-001
2

Section 305(b)(4)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires NMFS to provide EFH conservation 

recommendations (CRs) for any federal action or permit which may result in adverse impacts to 

EFH. In a letter dated February 11, 2021, to the United States Army Corps of Engineers 

(USACE) under the Department of the Army permit SAM-2021-00025-RCV, the NMFS 

provided three EFH CRs on the North Rail Connector project to ensure the conservation of EFH 

and associated marine fishery resources. The FRA initiated EFH consultation with NMFS via 

letter dated March 10, 2021. The NMFS found the EFH assessment, alternatives analysis, and

draft permittee responsible mitigation and monitoring plan (PRMMP) dated March 2021, 

provided by FRA included sufficient information to ensure adverse impacts to EFH would be 

adequately offset through a PRMMP to create approximately 1.0 acre of tidal marsh habitat. In 

letters dated March 23, 2021 to FRA and USACE, the NMFS concurred the proposed project 

would not have an adverse effect on EFH in the area given the implementation of the PRMMP. 

At that time, NMFS removed our CRs for the North Rail Connector project, unless future 

modifications are proposed which may result in adverse impacts to EFH. Additionally, NMFS 

has reviewed the draft EA dated October 2021 and concurs the proposed project would not have 

an adverse effect on EFH in the area given the implementation of the PRMMP. 

Thank you for consulting with our staff on this project. If you wish to discuss this project,

further or have questions concerning our recommendations, please contact January Murray at 

(225) 380-0089, or by email at January.Murray@noaa.gov.

 Sincerely, 

 for/ Pace Wilber

 Acting Assistant Regional Administrator

 Habitat Conservation Division

c:

FRA, Murphy 

USACE, Mobile, Villarreal

FWS, Jackson, Necaise

F/SER46, Swafford

F/SER4, Dale

Files

RPD-211208-001