Gov. Gretchen Whitmer | Photo Courtesy of Michigan Governor's Office
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer | Photo Courtesy of Michigan Governor's Office
Preliminary engineering plans to begin rehabbing the state’s intercity passenger rail service will commence soon thanks to a $1.6 million grant.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) made the announcement last week, according to a news release provided by the Michigan government.
"This federal grant award will aid in funding the initial engineering and preparation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for this proposed project," said MDOT Office of Rail Director Peter Anastor in the release. "Bringing the Detroit/Pontiac-to-Chicago accelerated corridor to a state of good repair by reducing the maintenance backlog and improving safety has been a long-term goal of MDOT. All this work will ultimately improve the experience for Michigan rail passengers."
The $1.6 million grant will be given to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for funds related to the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program (Partnership Program).
"Yesterday's $1.6 million investment will help provide further improvements to the Detroit/Pontiac to Chicago Accelerated Rail Corridor," said Whitmer. "I am proud of the Michigan Department of Transportation for winning these competitive grants that will benefit both passenger and freight trains that use this vital route. These resources will help us continue growing Michigan's economy, supporting good-paying jobs, and investing in every region of our great state. Michigan is a leader for all transportation modes, and we will build our leadership by competing for infrastructure grants to move Michigan forward."
The money will be utilized for preliminary engineering compliance with the NEPA in hopes of renovating the infrastructure of five bridges between Kalamazoo and Dearborn. The MDOT-operated corridor is used by Norfolk Southern Railroad, and Amtrak's Wolverine and Blue Water services freight trains.
"I have highlighted and will continue to highlight the need for serious work on infrastructure in Michigan," said Fred Upton (R-MI). "Amtrak provides an important link between Kalamazoo and the Detroit area, and on to Chicago and points west. Ensuring these bridges remain in service, and trains can at least maintain current speeds, is critical to the viability of passenger rail service in Michigan. Ultimately, this should help with getting high-speed rail across Michigan."
Alerts Sign-up