A train from Chicago to Detroit in less than four hours?
It could be coming, if the Michigan Senate votes for HB 6484!
Michigan will get at least $161 million from the feds to buy and improve railroad track connecting Detroit-Dearborn-Ann Arbor-Kalamazoo, IF the state provides the required $35 million match. HB 6484 provides that match by allowing state bonds to be used for rail improvement.
That federal money will fund rail improvements that could cut 90 minutes off the existing Detroit-Chicago train trip. This new rail bonding authority could also provide critical matching funds for future federal support for Woodward Light Rail, Detroit-Ann Arbor Commuter Rail, or other rail projects.
The House passed it, the Governor supports it. Now the Michigan Senate must pass it – before they leave for the year December 2! The new legislature will be too busy learning the ropes, battling the budget, and other priorities. We can’t wait!
Call Senator Bishop on Tuesday, November 30, to make sure it is a top lame-duck priority.
On Tuesday, call Senator Bishop at 517-373-2417:
Tell him to pass the rail bonding bill this week!!
Also call your state senator to urge their support (and their advocacy to Senator Bishop), especially
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Senator Randy Richardville at 517-373-3543 (if you live in Monroe County, Saline, Pittsfield, Manchester, or Milan)
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Senator John Pappageorge at 517-373-2523 (if you live in Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clawson, Madison Heights, Royal Oak, or Troy)
Additional details available from our friends at the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, and the Michigan Environmental Council.