From Michigan Public Radio
The state transportation department will hold the first in a series of public meetings this week on improving Michigan’s railroad system.
Michigan has almost 4 thousand miles of operating rail track. But much of the track is in need of an upgrade.
Janet Foran is with the Michigan Department of Transportation. She says the department is undergoing a year-long review to determine the state’s most pressing rail needs.
“Michigan needs to be able to determine how to position ourselves…to take advantage of federal funding,” says Foran.
Foran says the review could help Michigan land federal dollars for high speed rail and major rail freight projects.
MDOT is holding public hearings this month in Traverse City, Detroit, Grand Rapids and in the U.P.