Category Archives: Press Releases

Announcements, FYI, Meetings, Press Releases

Michigan By Rail Forum scheduled July 8 in East Lansing

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The Michigan By Rail Public Forum in East Lansing will be held on July 8, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The forum will be held in the basement of The People’s Church, which is located at 200 West Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI, 48823.

Hosts for the East Lansing Michigan By Rail forum will include Michigan State Representatives Mark Meadows, with others to be announced.

The federal Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) requires states to prepare state rail plans in order to receive federal rail grants.  The Michigan Department of Transportation is in the early stages of putting Michigan ’s rail plan together.  Public participation and input is a requirement of a successful state rail plan.   

In the summer and fall, 2010, the Michigan Environmental Council, the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers and partner organizations will convene a series of public forums throughout the state in an effort to engage Michigan citizens in a discussion about their vision for the state’s passenger and freight rail system.    

For more information, visit our previous post at http://www.marp.org/?p=1985.
or the Michigan By Rail website at http://www.michiganbyrail.org.

Announcements, FYI, News, Press Releases

Michigan by Rail Public Forums

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Summer, Fall 2010

The federal Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) requires states to prepare state rail plans in order to receive federal rail grants.  The Michigan Department of Transportation is in the early stages of putting Michigan ’s rail plan together.  Public participation and input is a requirement of a successful state rail plan.   

In the summer and fall, 2010, the Michigan Environmental Council, the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers and partner organizations will convene a series of public forums throughout the state in an effort to engage Michigan citizens in a discussion about their vision for the state’s passenger and freight rail system.    

  • An overview of the state’s existing rail system
  • An interactive rail mapping session 
  • A discussion of public financing issues for rail projects and service   
  • A statewide vision for freight, intercity passenger and commuter rail

Michigan by Rail Public Forum Dates and Locations
(Subject to change, check http://www.michiganbyrail.org)

July 8 – East Lansing – 6 p.m. at The People’s Church –  details
July 22 – Traverse City  – 7 p.m. at the Civic Center – details

Forums are planned for New Buffalo,  Jackson,  St. Joseph / Benton Harbor,  Holland/Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor. A forum was already held in Royal Oak in June.

More information is available at:
http://www.michiganbyrail.org

Announcements, FYI, News, Press Releases

National Train Day 2010

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GET THE INSIDE TRACK at NATIONAL TRAIN DAY

National Train Day 2010On Saturday, May 8th, the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers (MARP) and fellow railroad organizations come together to celebrate the third annual National Train Day with family-friendly events across the state of Michigan.     

The celebration commemorates the 141st anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad’s inception by bringing to life the rich narrative of how trains have transformed America.     

Amtrak is using National Train Day to help raise awareness of the vital role rail plays in our nation’s transportation system. National Train Day spokesman is actor and avid train fan Taye Diggs, star of Private Practice.     

Amtrak is sponsoring major events in Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL, Philadelphia, PA, and Washington, D.C.. MARP and fellow railroad organizations have organized celebrations to take place in the following communities across Michigan (please see the below list for locations, times and festivities of each celebration). All events are on Saturday, May 8th at the respective cities’ Amtrak stations unless otherwise noted.   

City: Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Location: Amtrak Station – 325 Depot Street    

Time: 7:00am – 9:00am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Coffee and donuts will be available to both passengers and guests, and a proclamation will be read by the Mayor of Ann Arbor.    

City: Bangor, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 541 Railroad Street (former Pere Marquette station)     

Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm     

Sponsors: Beacon Specialized Living Services, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Holland Modular Railroad Club     

Description: Join us at the historic Pere Marquette (Amtrak) station as we celebrate National Train Day. The Mayor of Bangor will read a proclamation following the arrival of Amtrak train 371, the Pere Marquette. Enjoy live music, refreshments, raffles, an operating HO scale model train layout from the Holland Modular Railroad Club and so much more.   

City: Dearborn, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 16121 Michigan Avenue     

Time: 6:30am – 11:30am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Coffee and donuts will be provided, and a proclamation will be read by the Mayor of Dearborn.     

City: Detroit, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 11 West Baltimore Avenue     

Time: 6:48am – 11:23am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: National Train Day celebration and proclamation. Coffee and cake will be available to both passengers and guests throughout the morning. A proclamation will be presented to the Mayor just before noon.   

City: Dowagiac, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 200 Depot Dr. (historic Michigan Central station)     

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Stop by our open house at the depot to enjoy music from the local college and see displays by a model railroad club. Refreshments will be served.     

 City: Durand, Michigan ** Takes place May 15, 2010 **     

Location: Durand Union Station – 200 Railroad Street     

Time: 9:00am – 7:00pm     

Description: Celebrate 35 years of our railroad heritage at Railroad Days, May 14-16. The historical depot will be open with model train displays, Operation Lifesaver will have educational information for all, tours of the caboose are available, and there will be a book opening for Imre Questlar.     

City: East Lansing, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 1240 South Harrison Road     

Time: 8:00am – 10:00am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Join us for coffee and donuts and a reading of the National Train Day proclamation. 

City: Flint, Michigan 

Location: Amtrak Station – 1407 South Dort Highway     

Time: 6:30am – 1:00pm     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Celebrate National Train Day with us. Railroad displays, operating model railroads, Operation Lifesaver information, and refreshments will be available.     

City: Holland, Michigan  
Location: Padnos Transportation Center – 171 Lincoln Avenue
Time:  7:30am – 8:30am 
Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
Description:  Come greet the morning Pere Marquette train and enjoy refreshments and a proclamation read by the Mayor of Holland. Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers 7:30am – 8:30am Padnos Transportation Center – 171 Lincoln Avenue   

 

City: Jackson, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 501 E. Michigan Avenue (historic Michigan Central station)     

Time: 8:30am – 2:00pm     

Sponsors: Central Michigan Model Railroad Club, Amtrak, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Join us as we celebrate National Train Day at “The Oldest Continuous Operational Railroad Designed and Built Passenger Train Station in the United States,” the historic Michigan Central Railroad (Amtrak) station in Jackson, Michigan. Don’t miss out on your chance to see trains, model trains, explore interactive and educational exhibits, trip planning and so much more.     

 City: Kalamazoo, Michigan    

Location(s): 485 N. Burdick Street (Kalamazoo Transportation Center) and 9336 N. Riverview Dr. (Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society facility)     

Time(s): 9:00am – 11:30am (Transportation Center), 12:00pm – 4:00pm (Model Railroad facility)     

Sponsors: Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Amtrak, Vicksburg Depot Museum, CK&S Railfan Festival     

Description: Join us as we celebrate National Train Day in the morning (9:00-11:30am) at the Kalamazoo Transportation Center (Amtrak station). Greet the arrival of Amtrak Wolverine trains 350 and 351 and Blue Water train 365 while exploring interactive and educational exhibits from the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society, Vicksburg Depot Museum and Delton’s CK&S Railfan Festival. From the station, the celebration continues at the Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society’s facility (12:00-4:00pm) as part of the groups Annual Open House. Don’t miss out on seeing model trains, a full size caboose and so much more.     

City: Niles, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 598 Dey Street (historic Michigan Central station)     

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Amtrak, Four Flags Garden Club, Niles DDA Main Street, Cass County Model Railroad Club     

Description: Join us at the historic 1892 Michigan Central Railroad station as we celebrate National Train Day. Greet the arrival of Amtrak train 365, the Blue Water, and Wolverine trains 350, 351 and 352 while exploring interactive and educational exhibits from the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Four Flags Garden Club, Niles DDA Main Street, and the Cass County Model Railroad Club.     

City: St. Joseph, Michigan     

Location: Amtrak Station – 410 1/2 Vine Street (former Pere Marquette station)     

Time: 9:00 – 11:00am     

Sponsors: Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers     

Description: Come greet the morning Pere Marquette train and enjoy refreshments and a proclamation ready by the Mayor of St. Joseph.   

(not sponsored by MARP)
City: Rochester, Michigan     

 Other locations in Michigan     

Location: Oakland University (Meadow Brook Hall) – 2200 N. Squirrel Road     

Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm     

Description: On National Train Day, come to the Lunch & Learn at Meadow Brook Hall for a lecture about the Glancy Trains Collection at the Detroit Historical Museum. Lecture will feature John Lohmeier, President Meadow Brook Hall Squires, Meredith Long, Museum Services Coordinator of Meadow Brook Hall and Bob Cosgrove, Adjunct Curator of Glancy Trains at the Detroit Historical Museum. Complimentary tour of Meadow Brook Hall follows the lecture.     

Want to volunteer at any of the above events?     

Contact your MARP Editor. Your help is appreciated! MARP encourages its members to spread the word of the importance of passenger trains at the celebrations.

News, Press Releases

MDOT shares details of reduced 2011-2014 Five-Year Transportation Program

Michigan Department of Transportation press release

Contact:  Bill Shreck, Director, MDOT Office of Communications, 517-335-3084
Agency: Transportation
February 12, 2010 — The state’s recently approved 2010-2014 Five-Year Transportation Program has been posted online by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) on the MDOT Web site at: www.michigan.gov/mdot5yearplan. MDOT also has posted a new document titled “Financial Crisis Key Messages” to the Web. This document identifies funding strategies for a department that is faced with the reality that there will be insufficient state revenues available to match all of the estimated available federal funds beginning in 2011. The 2010-2014 Five-Year Program was approved by the State Transportation commission at its Jan. 28 meeting. The department must submit the Five Year Program to the Michigan Legislature by March 1.”If Michigan cannot match federal funds, over a half a billion dollars each year in federal fuel taxes already paid by Michigan residents and businesses will be lost to us,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “Our money will go to other states that are able to provide the needed match. This will have a devastating effect on job creation and Michigan’s economy. All modes of transportation are being affected by declining state revenues and decreased buying power, including highway, aviation, bus, rail and marine programs.”

Steudle also stated that the transportation system will continue to deteriorate even if the department is able to match federal funding, as it will in 2010.

“Unless state revenue for transportation increases, Michigan will experience substantial decline in road and bridge conditions, and our rail freight, passenger transportation and aviation programs also will suffer,” Steudle said. “The message of The Transportation Funding Task Force was clear in November 2008. Michigan needs to double its current investment in transportation to provide an adequate level of service, let alone an improved one.”

The Financial Crisis Key Messages document contains charts and graphs illustrating the reduced program of each mode of transportation compared to the previous (2009-2013) Five-Year Transportation Program. The highway program total is reduced most dramatically by more than 35 percent, compared to the previous Five-Year Program total. Projects in the plan for 2010 are fully funded and will not face delays. However, MDOT says that if the current return on federal gas tax revenues falls in 2011 as expected, 256 highway projects will be delayed. The 256 projects break down as: 129 bridge preservation projects, 118 road preservation projects and 10 capacity/new roads projects.

“We will have to implement a reduced road and bridge program investment strategy in 2011 and cut approximately $600 million annually, if federal funding continues to go unmatched,” said Steudle.

Press release link:
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151–231668–,00.html

News, Press Releases

Amtrak to perform high-speed rail improvement study in Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
January 29, 2010 
Contact: Mark Magliari, Amtrak, (313) 880-5390 

  

Focus on infrastructure needs for future 110 mph train service 

CHICAGO – Stressing the importance of its intercity passenger rail service in Michigan, Amtrak today announced it will perform a high-speed rail improvement study that will focus on determining what infrastructure upgrades are needed to provide 110 mph train service on the Norfolk Southern-owned rail corridor between Kalamazoo and Detroit.  

“Amtrak believes 110 mph train service across Michigan is critical for the future and we’re committed to understanding what it will take to get there,” said President and CEO Joseph Boardman, noting that Amtrak’s     

Boardman explained that Amtrak trains currently operate at 79 mph over the Norfolk Southern line between Kalamazoo and Dearborn, just west of Detroit. Amtrak will pay for and perform the high-speed improvement study with the assistance of Norfolk Southern and intends to complete its review by the end of May.   

The study will examine all infrastructure needs and costs required to allow for 110 mph train service along the corridor including any upgrade of tracks, bridges, signal systems, highway-rail grade crossing warning devices and stations as well as analyze freight and passenger train operations. Importantly, the information gathered can support applications for future rounds of funding from federal intercity and high-speed rail capital improvement grant programs.   

In addition, Boardman said Amtrak owns the rail line west of Kalamazoo to Porter, Ind., and recently increased speeds from 79 mph to 95 mph and is on target to further increase speeds to 110 mph by mid-2010. Two of the three Amtrak routes serving Michigan—Wolverine service provides three daily roundtrips between Chicago and Pontiac via Detroit over the corridor. Wolverine (Chicago-Pontiac) and Blue Water (Chicago-Port Huron),—operate over this section of track and each will soon reach 110 mph.

 About Amtrak  

  As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.    

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