From the Ann Arbor Journal:

The Ann Arbor Station Environmental Review project began with a team meeting on Jan. 10, 2014. In attendance were representatives from the consulting team, the City of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

The purpose of the project is to conduct an environmental review and produce a conceptual design for a new or enhanced railroad passenger station/intermodal facility in Ann Arbor as outlined in the city’s adopted 2009 Transportation Plan Update.

The focus of the initial meeting was to review the overall project goals, discuss near-term milestones and immediate action items.

The project will be conducted in accordance with FRA and Amtrak requirements, which include complying with the National Environmental Policy Act. These requirements include the development of several key documents, creation of a conceptual design and the environmental review.

The project team will begin by developing a public involvement plan, which will describe the various ways stakeholders, the general public and community leaders will have opportunities to provide their input and opinions.

An initial public meeting is projected to be held in early 2014. Additionally, a purpose-and-need document outlining the purpose of the project, background and what needs will be addressed by the study is another initial task.

The Ann Arbor Station Environmental Review project is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete. If you would like more information on this project, contact  Ann Arbor Transportation Program Manager Eli Cooper at 734.794.6430, ext. 43710 or ecooper@a2gov.org.

Source: http://www.heritage.com/articles/2014/01/24/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc52dffc471c5b5155552288.txt