Speaking at the Detroit Amtrak station, LaHood also said travel time between Chicago and Detroit will be reduced by 30 minutes, and that the rail line eventually could stretch from Detroit into Canada. (Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit)

DOT Secretary LaHood signs $200M check for High-Speed Detroit to Chicago Rail Projects

DETROIT, MI (Tell Us Det) - Monday afternoon, at the New Center Amtrak station in Detroit, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $2 million in high-speed rail awards providing an unprecedented investment to speed up trains and expand services in the Detroit to Chicago corridor, as part of the Administration’s plan to transform travel in America.

LaHood also said travel time between Chicago and Detroit will be reduced by 30 minutes, and that the rail line eventually could stretch from Detroit into Canada.

Twenty-four states, the District of Columbia and Amtrak submitted nearly 100 applications, competing to be part of an historic investment that will create tens of thousands of jobs, improve mobility and stimulate American manufacturing.

The Department’s Federal Railroad Administration selected 15 states and Amtrak to receive $2.02 billion for 22 high-speed intercity passenger rail projects as part of a nationwide network that will connect 80 percent of Americans to high-speed rail in 25 years.

“Accelerated rail service has the ability to enhance our economy, environment and overall quality of life,” Snyder said. “An investment of this magnitude can spur economic development in our communities with rail stations, and provide access to a 21st century rail system that will help Michigan citizens compete in a global economy. Reliable, fast train service is attractive to businesses that want to locate or expand near it. This investment in our rail system is critical to Michigan's recovery."



The money - initially $2.4 billion - had been awarded to Florida for high-speed trains between Tampa and Orlando. After Gov. Rick Scott canceled the project, the Transportation Department invited other states to bid for the funds. It received 90 applications seeking a total of $10 billion.

“The investments we’re making today will help states across the country create jobs, spur economic development and boost manufacturing in their communities,” La Hood said.

The largest share of Michigan’s money, $196.5 million, will go to rehabilitate track and signals on a 235-mile section between Dearborn and Kalamazoo. In addition, Michigan and several other Midwest states including Illinois and Indiana will share $268.2 million to pay for 48 high-performance passenger rail cars and seven quick-acceleration locomotives.

Michigan also will receive $2.8 million for part of a project to build a new high-speed rail station in Ann Arbor.

"Completing the engineering and environmental studies will bring all of the entities involved in the transit center another step closer to fulfilling the $100 million vision for Fuller Road," said Eli Cooper, transportation program manager.



The city already has designed the transit center with partners that include the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and state and federal transportation officials, Cooper said.

Mayor John Hieftje agreed, saying that the funding increases the likelihood that there will be more federal support for this Ann Arbor transportation project.

The Ann Arbor Amtrak station is the busiest in Michigan, according to recent reports. However, the single track at the existing facility means that trains can block other service. A new passing track would be built as part of the new train station, increasing capacity along the Detroit-to-Chicago line.

Michigan also will receive partial funding for locomotives and coaches, as part of a joint application with Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri. This new train equipment will replace existing equipment and can be used on all three Amtrak lines in the state – the Wolverine, Blue Water and Pere Marquette.