ACTION ITEM – HB 6484

HB 6484 passed out of the state House of Representatives Nov. 10, 2010.  This bill authorizes up to $100 million of state construction bonds to be used to cover the necessary state match requirement to receive the $160 million federal high-speed rail grant awarded to Michigan’s Detroit to Chicago passenger rail corridor late last month.

In addition to providing funds for our grant match, the bill also would allow for funds to be made available for other state passenger rail infrastructure projects, whether that be to match future federal awards, support new commuter or light rail projects, or fund passenger rail infrastructure needs along Michigan’s other rail corridors.

It is critical that this bill pass the state Senate when they reconvene in December in order for Michigan to receive the federal HSR money and fund other passenger rail projects being planned in the state.  Please contact your state Senator and ask them to support HB 6484. 

Find your Senator here: http://senate.michigan.gov/SenatorInfo/find-your-senator.htm)

Once you have contacted your state senator, next contact State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop. He is responsible for calling the bill to the Senate floor for a vote. 

Here is a letter template you can use:

November 15, 2010

The Honorable <your Senator’s first name, last name>
State Senator
State Capitol
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Re:      Please Support HB 6484 – the Rail Bonding bill

Dear Senator <your Senator’s last name>:

I write to encourage you to support HB 6484.  This bill – introduced by Representative Wayne Schmidt – authorizes up to $100 million of state construction bonds to be used to cover the necessary state match requirement to receive the $160 million federal high-speed rail grant awarded to Michigan’s Detroit to Chicago passenger rail corridor late last month.

In addition to providing funds for our grant match, the bill also would allow for funds to be made available for other state passenger rail infrastructure projects, whether that be to match future federal awards, support new commuter or light rail projects, or fund passenger rail infrastructure needs along Michigan’s other rail corridors.

It passed the House with bi-partisan support on November 10, 2010 with 67 voting in favor.

Please support HB 6484. 

Sincerely,

<your name and complete postal address>