Where is rail transportation headed in Michigan? What role does rail freight play in our state's economy? When and how will high speed rail become a viable option for passenger travel in our Great Lakes State?

These and other questions will be addressed in the Michigan State Rail Plan. MDOT is developing the comprehensive plan to set forth state policy involving freight and passenger rail transportation, including commuter rail operations. It will present priorities and strategies to enhance or preserve rail service that benefits the public, and will serve as the basis for future federal and state rail investments in Michigan.

Check this site often to monitor progress, view documents and help shape Michigan's rail future!

Click here to submit comments for the plan.

The State of Michigan recently passed a legislative transfer of funds to pay for its annual operating subsidy to Amtrak.  This will keep the Pere Marquette rail line running through the end of September 2010.

Click here for more information.

	SWMPC Executive Director K. John Egelhaaf giving introductions

ST. JOSEPH CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - At a gathering of around 60 people this Wednesday February 24th at 10:00, Tim Hoeffner from the Michigan Department of Transportation had a chance to dialogue with the communities of Southwest Michigan about the future of their passenger rail service.  Mr. Hoeffner is the Administrator of High Speed Rail and Innovative Project Advancement at MDOT.

Mr. Hoeffner explained that the State of Michigan will most likely be able to provide the state subsidy for the Pere Marquette line for the rest of fiscal year 2010, but he doesn't know what will happen in 2011.  The State budget is completely renogotiated in every fiscal year. 

He also explained that the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, which includes a realignment of the Pere Marquette line through Kalamazoo and away from St. Joseph and Bangor in Phase 5, will be reopened for further study.  He mentioned that the bulk of the studies related to high-speed rail were completed in the late 1990s, and MDOT has since adopted more refined strategies for stakeholder input.  He stated that the "door is still open to conversation," but that MDOT is focusing on maintaining the operating subsidy for the line before "putting any more money into any more studies."

Mr. Hoeffner was asked about the recently awarded federal stimulus funding for high speed rail.  He explained that the State of Michigan was awarded $40 million to upgrade signal crossings and stations along the Detroit-Chicago corridor in Michigan.  The State of Indiana was given a grant for improving infrastructure around Porter to clear the "rail bottleneck" to Chicago.  This will automatically reduce travel time for all rail lines going to Chicago through Indiana.

Below are links to news stories regarding rail in Southwest Michigan.

Study estimates benefit to Niles from having depot at $5 million From NLS 

Local Amtrak service and you From SJM 

Turmoil on the tracks From SJM 

Local legislators to MDOT: Spare our Amtrak route From HOM 

MDOT Officials Discuss Pere Marquette Line In Saint Joe From SJM 

GENETSKI TO FIGHT FOR PERE MARQUETTE From His Web Site