President Obama yesterday announced how the federal government will be investing the $8 billion in high-speed rail stimulus funding. While California and Florida are getting the largest amounts ($2.3 and $1.2 billion respectively), 31 states will receive some funding.
Michigan is receiving $40 million federal funds for three train stations – in Troy/Birmingham, Dearborn, and Battle Creek.
Unfortunately, MDOT identified an additional $850 million in needed improvements along the Detroit to Chicago rail corridor that will not be receiving federal funding at this time.
"We will … aggressively pursue our share in the second round of funding," Gov. Jennifer Granholm said in the Detroit News.