Congresswoman Kilpatrick to Host Transportation Summit
Lawmaker Convenes Conference to Move Mass Transit Plans Forward

Detroit, MI � Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (13th District, Michigan) will host a transportation summit, �Mass Transit: Gateway to the World,� on Monday, March 3, 2008, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The purpose of the event is to discuss the economic benefits of mass transit and the regional cooperation and funding needed to bring mass transit to southeastern Michigan. The summit will be held in the Community Arts Auditorium, located at 450 Reuther Mall, on the campus of Wayne State University. Registration for the event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 8:00 a.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

�In today�s economy, there is greater demand for public transportation alternatives, however, Detroit is one of the few major urban centers without a significant rail transportation to meet its transit needs,� said Congresswoman Kilpatrick. �Detroit is experiencing unprecedented growth and development because of the faith companies have in its revival. For that progress to continue, the City and the region must make a commitment to provide a more efficient mix of transportation options. I hope that we can learn from the experience of the summit participants and use their plans as a guide to move forward and bring mass transit to our region.�

Nationally recognized speakers will share their strategies for success with mass transit projects in major urban areas across the country. Morning panelists include Keith Parker, the CEO of the Charlotte Area Transit System; Kimberly Williams, Associate Vice President of the Metropolitan Transit Authority in Harris County, TX; Clarence �Cal� Marsella, General Manager and CEO of the Regional Transportation District in Denver, CO; and Marisol Simon, FTA Regional Representative in Chicago, IL. Chuck Stokes of WXYZ-TV 7�s �Spotlight on the News� will serve as moderator.

Local transportation experts from the Southeastern Michigan Council of Government (SEMCOG), Regional Transit Coordinating Council (RTCC), Transportation Riders United (TRU), and the City of Ann Arbor will provide updates on ongoing mass transit studies, share information about available options, and discuss the potential impact of mass transit on the region. Representatives from Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), and SMART are also expected to contribute to the discussions.

Congresswoman Kilpatrick has been at the forefront of efforts to introduce rail transportation to southeastern Michigan. She has helped secured more than $100 million in federal funding toward improving transportation options and access to downtown Detroit.

For more information or to register for the event, contact Rodney Johnson at (313) 965-9004 or rodney.johnson@mail.house.gov.