Michigan, known as the state that put the world on wheels (rubber tires), currently experiencing a once in a century economic collapse is embracing railway based transport as a fast-track to economic salvation.

"Michigan's transportation system,(or lack of one) across all modes, is a growing problem."

Here are some quotes from the Michigan Municipal League 'the review' magazine and other media sources:

"SOUND OFF!  What do Michigan leaders think about transit?:

"---David Worthams, League Legislative Associate: Other states are embracing public transit as a powerful economic development tool. We are asking our legislature to give Michigan's business community and local governments the tools we need to help pay for TRANSIT SYSTEMS (not more highways and sprawl). These tools will also provide sparks(not from spark plugs) for private businesses to build and invest near transit stations."

"---Dan Gilmartin, Michigan Municipal League Executive Director & CEO: "It's important to act soon to maintain the quality of Michigan's roads(existing rail is properly maintained by CN/CP/NS/CONRAIL/AMTRAK etc). Our infrastructure is crumbling. We need to rebuild and maintain, and the time is now." (the timid fuel tax is barely enough to maintain approx 25% of existing roadways---a shovel of loose ashphalt a day will keep the potholes away for awhile).

The Oakland Press: "The time is right for mass transit"---The Detroit News: "State can't stand still on spending for roads".---Lansing State Journal: "The legislature should put more effort into mass transit"," Boost mass transit over car-pool lanes","It's time to accelerate transit investments"---The Detroit News-'Letter to the editor: "Transportation spending helps state economy"---Miami Herald: "One of the top priorities is funding for an estimated $136,000,000,000(billion) in infrastructure projects"---Reuters: "$500,000,000,000(billion) economic stimulous package would include...billions of dollars for road, bridge, and mass transit construction"---Governor Edward G. Wendell quoted in the New York Times: "States want to use the money for roads and bridges, airports, transit systems, ports, railways, schools, waste water plants and broadband networks. Every 1,000,000,000(billion) dollars spent on infrastructure produces 40,000 new jobs"---President Barack Obama: "Make no small plans, these are long term investments in our economic future that have been ignored too long"

Check out additional articles in the review: "Transportation Funding"---"Amtrak in Michigan"---Transit-Oriented Development

Add a Comment