M-1 Woodward rail project still possible, analysis continues

LaHood still optimistic about Woodward light-rail project

 

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he is optimistic the M-1 Woodward Avenue light-rail project can still go forward, despite concerns raised by the federal government about the project’s feasibility.  LaHood told The Detroit News the city of Detroit has applied for a federal grant for about $25 million for the project. The Transportation Department will announce a new round of awards for transit projects in late May.

 

Last week, the U.S. Transportation Department told Michigan legislators and advocates of high-speed light-rail it has serious concerns about the Woodward project and doesn’t believe it is feasible in its current form.  The Federal Transit Administration has concerns about cost — that M-1 advocates are potentially underestimating it — and that M-1 hasn’t determined what type of vehicle will be used.  The transit administration also does not believe a January 2015 target date is achievable and transit officials have questions about the funding commitment on the private side M-1 says it has. 

 

The M-1 advocates have 30 days to convince the federal government it can address its concern.  "Everybody’s working feverishly," LaHood said. "The M-1 people are continuing to raise the private money."

 

In late April, LaHood will convene another meeting with state, city and Michigan legislators on the M-1 project for an update.  Laura Trudeau, senior program director for the Kresge Foundation in Detroit believes that by the 90-day assessment mark set by federal officials in January backers will be able to show the project is viable.

 

A regional transportation authority for Metro Detroit "is long overdue," LaHood said. "It looks like things are falling into place."  Despite the city’s financial difficulties, LaHood said regional mass transit makes sense "to jump start the city’s opportunities."