MDOT unveils rail plan for Michigan
MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A statewide passenger rail plan has been finalized.
That means the Michigan Department of Transportation is one step closer to creating a rail system from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids and on to Holland.
Newschannel 3 has learned that MDOT has finalized a state rail plan that will guide the future of Michigan's rail system for both passenger and freight for the next 20 years.
MDOT officials say the plan takes a conservative view of future funding while addressing the importance of freight and passenger rail to our economy and our environment.
MDOT says the total cost of the 140 transportation projects will be $7.2 billion, paid for mostly with federal grants.
Part of the plan that would affect West Michigan is to study the feasibility of a passenger rail service from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids and Holland. Another study would look at connecting Traverse City to Chicago, via Grand Rapids and/or Detroit.
MDOT is also looking at creating a West Michigan freight terminal in the Grand Rapids region.
MDOT says many of the ideas came from people in West Michigan who voiced their notions during public hearings.
