According to the Detroit News and other media, the US House and Senate passed a major spending bill, that President Obama is expected to sign, that includes several key provisions for Detroit-area transit:
- It provides $3.5 million for the Detroit-Airport-Ann Arbor commuter train.
- It provides $1.3 million for the Troy-Birmingham Transit Center.
- It supports Woodward Light Rail by ensuring that the $120 million that private interests have committed to spend to build the first 3.5 miles will be able to be used as a match towards future federal funding for the expansion to 8 Mile or beyond.
Area congressmembers fought hard for these various provisions:
- Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick led the fight for Woodward Light Rail. "I am confident that we will be able to break ground on this project by summer," she said.
- "Local residents have been pushing for more public transportation for years, and this transportation hub will be a cornerstone of a larger regional public transit plan," said Rep. Gary Peters who pushed for the Troy-Birmingham funds.
- Senator Carl Levin said the Woodward Light Rail match allowance is "bringing us one step closer to realizing the dream of light rail in Detroit."