Peters, Stabenow Announce $15.6 Million Federal Grant for Michigan Rail Upgrades

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation will receive $15.6 million in federal funding to rehabilitate railroad tracks, replace over 16 miles of rail and enhance track crossing protections in the corridor between Ypsilanti and Jackson. This federal grant comes from the Department of Transportation’s Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program.

“As communities across Michigan continue working to navigate the Coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that we continue to invest in infrastructure improvements that ensure reliable service for Michiganders and better connect our cities and towns,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “I am pleased to announce this grant, which will help bolster safety, improve travel times, and ensure that passenger rail service across Michigan can continue supporting families and businesses during this unprecedented public health and economic crisis.”

“This is an important higher-speed route to Chicago,” said Senator Stabenow. “This investment will help ensure faster, safer and more reliable travel for Michigan families and businesses.”

“This grant will help our efforts to improve 42 rail curves on Amtrak’s Wolverine corridor, making the route safer for passengers,” said Paul C. Ajegba, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation. “We are appreciative of the efforts by Senators Peters and Stabenow as we work to implement higher speeds and more efficient travel between Chicago and Detroit.”

Amtrak has temporarily reduced service on the Wolverine Line during the pandemic. Trains travel along the Wolverine Line at some of the highest speeds in the country (outside of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor).

More information on the Department of Transportation Grant program can be found at http://www.dot.gov/grants.

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