By John Howell
The North Central Mississippi Regional Railroad Authority (NCMRRA) will celebrate its purchase of Grenada Railway with a ceremony in Grenada on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Panola Partnership CEO Sonny Simmons said that Senator Roger Wicker has said he will be there along with officials from the state and the eight affected counties and the municipalities within them.

The day will also celebrate the leasing of the railroad’s operation to a subsidiary Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC, which will continue to use the Grenada Railway name.

Iowa Pacific owner Ed Ellis is expected to have two of his antique cars as a backdrop for the stage.

NCMRRA was able to purchase the 187-mile rail line that links Southhaven with Canton after its former owners announced plans to abandon the line between Grenada and Canton.
The 2014 Mississippi Legislature created the NCMRRA and authorized $30 million in bonds to finance the purchase.

The rail company has announced plans to bring the Polar Express Train Ride to Batesville in November and December.