Michigan State Rail Plan
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is developing the Michigan State Rail Plan. This plan will help build a long-term vision for passenger and freight rail transportation throughout the State of Michigan. To ensure the Plan reflects your current and future needs, MDOT is reaching out to involve businesses, organizations and stakeholders like you.
As part of this process, we are holding a series of open-house-style public meetings. Please attend the meeting that best fits your schedule and location. Stop by anytime from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Negaunee
September 21, 2010
Michigan Iron Industry Museum
73 Forge Road (off US 41)
Traverse City
September 22, 2010
Michigan Works! Service Center
1209 S. Garfield Avenue
Enter on south side of building
Detroit
September 28, 2010
Michigan State University
Detroit Center Building
3408 Woodward Avenue
Grand Rapids
September 29, 2010
MDOT Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center
2660 Leonard Street NE
We encourage you to forward this invitation and the attached flier to any and all interested groups and individuals who would like to learn more about this process and help shape the plan. If you would like any additional information regarding the Michigan State Rail Plan, please feel free to contact me or visit: www.michigan.gov/mirailplan .
We look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you,
Bob Parsons
Robert H. Parsons
Public Involvement/Hearings Officer
Bureau of Transportation Planning
Michigan Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-9534
[email protected]
_________________________________________________________________________________________
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 here often to monitor progress, view documents and help shape Michigan’s rail future!
MICHIGAN STATE RAIL PLAN OVERVIEW
MDOT has launched the development of a new State Rail Plan for guiding future investments in freight and passenger rail transportation in Michigan. The plan will satisfy a federal requirement in the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. The law established new federal funding programs for passenger rail services, including High Speed Rail. Michigan has made significant investments to its passenger rail system and is committed to improve services on the federally-designated high speed rail corridor between Chicago and Detroit/Pontiac. MDOT anticipates applying for additional federal funds in mid-2011, which will require a State Rail Plan to be in place.
MDOT has hired the consulting firm HNTB Michigan, Inc. to oversee development of the plan, which is expected to take about 12 months to complete.
The plan will 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 federal and state rail investments within Michigan.
Federally-required components of the plan include;
- Inventory of the rail transportation system, services, and facilities;
- Analysis of rail’s transportation, economic, and environmental impacts;
- Long-range investment program for freight and passenger rail infrastructure,
- Description of public financing issues;
- Review of major passenger and freight intermodal connections and facilities; and
- Performance evaluation of passenger rail services.
- Additional MDOT requirements of the plan include:
- Identification of rail-dependent commodities and industries; Trends in industry and freight shipping patterns that affect rail transportation;
- Identification of essential rail corridors and bottlenecks;
- Determination of rail lines at risk for future abandonment; and
- Identification of the public benefits of the rail system and public investments made.
The plan will rely extensively on existing MDOT data and will coordinate with the State Long-Range Plan. Significant outreach will occur with rail stakeholders (including the railroads, shippers, passenger interest groups, MDOT, local agencies, etc.) and the general public. MDOT central office and regional staff will be involved through various meetings and participation on an internal coordinating committee. Bureau of Transportation Planning public involvement staff, the consultant, and the project manager are working to refine the outreach activities and methodology.
Michigan Rail Plan Public Comment
Your input is very important to the development of the Michigan State Rail Plan. MDOT is reaching out to involve a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the development of the plan, including businesses, manufacturers, shippers, advocates, passengers and the general public. Your comments are welcome anytime.
Click here to submit your comments via the official MDOT wesbite
Contact
- Project Manager
Larry Karnes
517-373-9058 - Public Participation Coordinator
Bob Parsons
517-373-9534
