Northwest Wayne News

Intercity passenger rail service in Michigan will be improved and modernized through a $1.6 million grant.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) revealed the news last week, according to a press release from the governor's office.

The $1.6 million grant will be given to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for funds related to the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program (Partnership Program), the press release noted.

"Yesterday's $1.6 million investment will help provide further improvements to the Detroit/Pontiac to Chicago accelerated rail corridor," Whitmer said in the press release. "I am proud of the Michigan Department of Transportation for winning these competitive grants that will benefit both passenger and freight trains that use this vital route. These resources will help us continue growing Michigan's economy, supporting good-paying jobs, and investing in every region of our great state. Michigan is a leader for all transportation modes, and we will build our leadership by competing for infrastructure grants to move Michigan forward."

The money will be used to fund preliminary engineering and preparation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, according to the press release. This will lead to renovating the infrastructure of five bridges in the rail corridor between Kalamazoo and Dearborn. The MDOT-operated portion of the corridor is used by Norfolk Southern Railroad freight trains and Amtrak's Wolverine and Blue Water services.

"We have a responsibility to strengthen our decades-old infrastructure to make our neighbors safer, create jobs and grow the local economy, improve commute times, and connect our communities," Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) said in the press release. "I'm proud to help deliver federal funding to our region to do just that and connect these two great cities. This grant, along with the $563.1 million we got in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Michigan bridges, will help keep our residents and visitors safely on the move. The recent repair and reopening of the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge underscored the urgent need of these investments and demonstrated the good we can get done when we work together across all levels of government."

Dingell said that ongoing funding allows everyone in the state to enjoy infrastructure that is safe and dependable.  

"I have highlighted and will continue to highlight the need for serious work on infrastructure in Michigan," Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) said in the press release. "Amtrak provides an important link between Kalamazoo and the Detroit area and on to Chicago and points west. Ensuring these bridges remain in service, and trains can at least maintain current speeds, is critical to the viability of passenger rail service in Michigan. Ultimately, this should help with getting high-speed rail across Michigan."