MDOT seeking comments on state rail plan

Where is rail transportation headed in Michigan? What role does rail freight play in our state's economy? When and how will high-speed rail become a viable option for passenger travel in Michigan? The public can weigh in on these and other questions at any of four Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)-sponsored public meetings held to discuss the development of the Michigan State Rail Plan. The meetings will be held in Negaunee (near Marquette), Traverse City, Detroit and Grand Rapids. People can learn about and comment on the rail plan by attending a meeting or by visiting the State Rail Plan Web site (www.michigan.gov/mirailplan). Required as a part of the federal government's passage of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, the rail plan is expected to create a vision for how the state of Michigan manages and invests in rail infrastructure. The plan will provide a framework for state freight and passenger rail transportation policy development. Federally required components of the plan include an inventory of the rail transportation system, services, and facilities; a long-range investment program for freight and passenger rail infrastructure; a review of major passenger and freight intermodal connections and facilities; and an evaluation of passenger rail services. In addition, MDOT will evaluate such things as trends in industry and freight shipping patterns that affect rail transportation, and identify essential rail corridors and bottlenecks, to name a few. All public meetings will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the following locations: Tuesday, Sept. 21: Michigan Iron Industry Museum, 73 Forge Road (off US-41), Negaunee (west of Marquette); Wednesday, Sept. 22: Michigan Works! Service Center, 1209 South Garfield Ave., Traverse City; Tuesday, Sept. 28: Michigan State University Detroit Center Building, 3408 Woodward Ave., Detroit; Wednesday, Sept. 29: Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center, 2660 Leonard St., NE, Grand Rapids. With an advance notice of seven days, MDOT can make most of the materials for these meetings available in alternative formats such as large print or audiotape, and can make accommodations for sign language interpretation and/or assisted listening devices. Please call 517-373-9534 to request accommodations. Copyright © 2010 State of Michigan Published: Mon, Sep 20, 2010

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