Kalamazoo Times

Preliminary engineering plans are in motion to renovate the state’s intercity passenger rail service.

According to a news release provided by the Michigan government, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) made the announcement last week.

"I have highlighted and will continue to highlight the need for serious work on infrastructure in Michigan," said Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) in the 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."

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).

"Yesterday's $1.6 million investment will help provide further improvements to the Detroit/Pontiac to Chicago Accelerated Rail Corridor," said Whitmer. "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 utilized for preliminary engineering compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in hopes of renovating the infrastructure of five bridges between Kalamazoo and Dearborn. The MDOT-operated corridor is used by Norfolk Southern Railroad and Amtrak's Wolverine and Blue Water services freight trains.

"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," said Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). "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 added that ongoing funding allows for everyone in the state to enjoy infrastructure that is safe and dependable.