High-Speed Rail News

Michigan Announces 110-mph Amtrak Service
February 16, 2012

A special train operating on Amtrak's Chicago–Detroit corridor yesterday celebrated the inauguration of 110-mph speeds between Porter, Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan – the fastest passenger rail service in the Midwest. The higher speeds will result in better travel times and set the stage for more improvements to come as the state completes the purchase of the Kalamazoo–Detroit segment of the corridor.

High-Speed Rail and Transit on Chopping Block
February 02, 2012

The House leadership of the Ways and Means committee introduced a proposal yesterday that would exclude public transit from receiving federal motor fuels tax funding. The proposal is a part of a bill that will establish funding for a new five-year transportation bill now before Congress. The move would eliminate guaranteed funding in the Mass Transit Account – established in 1982 under President Reagan – potentially eliminating public transportation nationwide.

MHSRA Responds to the House Transportation Committee Hearing on High Speed Rail
December 06, 2011

Earlier today, Members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure discussed the status of the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) program. At the hearing, Committee leadership unveiled a new strategy that simultaneously sought to project themselves as both opponents and supporters of high-speed rail.

California Awarded Nearly $1 Billion to Begin Building HSR
November 22, 2011

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today awarded a $928.6 million grant to the California High-Speed Rail Authority for initial construction of California High-Speed Rail. Construction will begin next year in Fresno, creating tens of thousands of jobs in California.

Michigan Announces Major Progress on Detroit-to-Chicago Route
October 06, 2011

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a $196.5 million grant to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for track and signal improvements between Detroit and Kalamazoo. MDOT also announced a related agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR) to purchase the 135-mile segment between Kalamazoo and Dearborn.

$39 Million State Appropriation Unlocks $161 Million in USDOT Rail Grant
September 28, 2011

Enhanced passenger train service between Detroit and Chicago will become a reality after the Michigan House of Representatives approved today state match money to access $161 million in federal grants awarded to Michigan for projects along the corridor. The Michigan Senate passed the bill last week.

Bicameral Rail Caucus Leads Voices Opposing Cuts to High-Speed Rail and Amtrak
September 09, 2011

House and Senate Lawmakers Say “This is a necessary investment that will create jobs and sustain America’s growth at a critical time.”

House Subcommittee Passes “Kill-Amtrak” Bill
September 09, 2011

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation & Housing yesterday voted to slash Amtrak’s operating grant 60% -- from $563 million this year and last, to $227 million. Capital grants (including debt service) would drop from $924 million to $899 million.

US DOT Awards $268.2 Million to Midwest for American-Made Trains
August 11, 2011

California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Missouri will receive $336.2 million from the US DOT to purchase American-made trains to run on rail corridors in those states. The announcement was made by US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on August 3. Previously awarded rail dollars bring the amount received by these five states and Washington State to $782 million for the purchase of 33 quick-acceleration locomotives and 120 bi-level passenger cars.

Future of Iowa Trains in Governor's Hands
July 15, 2011

After an intense budget debate in the Iowa Legislature that came within hours of shutting down the state government on June 30, the budget bill has been passed, and passenger rail survived this round.

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