GONZALES — St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom joined Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux at a press conference on Wednesday to support the Louisiana Super Region Rail Authority’s plan for a commuter rail line to service passengers from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

The press conference took place at the site of a newly proposed Gonzales rail depot.

The plan cites billions of dollars in planned industrial development in seven parishes — East Baton Rouge, Ascension, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, St. James, Jefferson and Orleans.

Robottom said the rail line would improve connectivity between two major populations and employment, economic development and social and cultural activities in the region would be enhanced.

“St. John the Baptist Parish looks forward to being one of the four rail stops between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and we remain committed to seeing this project through to fruition,” Robottom said. “All leaders spoke in favor of the project in hopes the next Louisiana governor will make the project a priority.”

The Southern Rail Commission is in the final stages of compiling a gubernatorial briefing book. The document outlines the next steps for the proposed passenger line, including details for funding. It will be presented to candidates in this fall’s gubernatorial race and to the public later this month.

The briefing book will be posted at lsrra.org as it becomes available.

The Louisiana Super Region Rail Authority is a new regional authority and formal collaboration of local governments formed via legislation that empowers its members to plan, pursue and finance passenger rail in coordination with state, regional and municipal entities. For more information, visit lsrra.org.