Manning joined forces with Morrison Knudsen in the preparation of the Louisiana Passenger/Commuter Rail Service Master Plan. The project was part of the State of Louisiana’s long-range intermodal transportation planning process. The plan assessed the demand for passenger and commuter rail service and identified the benefits of implementation. It developed the market rationale for alternative interfaces between the rail lines and regional airports, evaluated the existing conditions, and projected annual operating costs of a passenger/commuter rail system. The plan includes strategies for both short-term and long-term projects.

Manning created a preliminary design that aligned heavy rail access to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from Downtown New Orleans.