The Michigan Department of Transportation is holding meetings across the state to present the draft State Rail Plan and to seek comments from the public. Local officials are encouraged to attend any of the planned six meetings taking place during the month of June.
The meetings are intended to provide an opportunity to review the draft document as well as learn about our current rail system and future trends as well as challenges and opportunities moving forward.
Given the recent allocation of $200 million in high-speed rail money and other initiatives in development across the state such as the M-1 light rail line, and Ann Arbor to Detroit and Livingston County WALLY commuter rail projects, the development of the state rail plan will help give guidance to state policy makers.
Transit is one of eight key assets identified by the League's "Center for 21st Century Communities" program as being essential to creating a vibrant community. Now is the time to provide input into how the state will invest in rail in the future.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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