The US Department of Transportation has offered Michigan $160 million to purchase and fix up our rail infrastructure, IF Michigan provides a 20% match.
Last night, the Michigan House of Representatives passed HB 6484, which allows up to $100 million in state construction bonds to be used to provide those matching funds.
The bill also would allow for funds to be made available for other state passenger rail infrastructure projects, whether that be to match future federal awards, support new commuter or light rail projects, or fund passenger rail infrastructure needs along Michigan’s other rail corridors.
This bill must pass the state Senate before the end of the year in order for Michigan to receive the federal HSR money and fund other passenger rail projects being planned in the state. Please contact your state Senator and ask them to support HB 6484. Our friends at the Michigan Environmental Council have a sample letter you can use.