FLINT, Michigan - A public forum on the future of rail in Michigan took place Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 in Flint, Michigan and the Michigan Municipal League was there as a co-sponsor of the event.
Among those speaking Thursday were Tim Fischer, deputy policy director of the Michigan Environmental Council, John Langdon, chairman of the local chapter of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, and Keith Edwards of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce. About 50 people attended the meeting including State Rep. Lee Gonzales, D-Flint Township; Art Reyes, Michigan state representative candidate; Stan Blood of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Dick Shaink, president of Mott Community College. Also attending were reporters from the Flint Journal, Grand Blanc News, Grand Blanc View and WNEM TV 5. Read the Flint Journal story about it.
The forum in Flint was one of 16 Michigan By Rail Forums being held throughout the state to get citizens involved in the future of the rail transportation. It took place at the Mass Transportation Authority building located at 1401 S. Dort Highway. Ideas will be forwarded to state and federal policymakers. Those attending worked on large maps of Michigan and drew lines where they would like to see passenger and cargo rail lines. The forum also included a discussion of the existing rail system, financing options and a big-picture vision for a modern Michigan high-speed rail system. The event was sponsored by numerous organizations: the Michigan Municipal League, Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Michigan Environmental Council and Get Michigan Moving.
View additional photos from this event here.
Matt Bach is director of communications for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at (734) 669-6317 and mbach@mml.org.
Tim Fischer of the Michigan Environmental Council leads a forum in Flint.
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