MDOT awarded $9 million federal grant for rail improvements

Contact: Nick Schirripa, MDOT Office of Communications,
 schirripan@michigan.gov
269-337-3927
Agency: Transportation

September 5, 2013 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today was awarded a federal TIGER grant for more than $9 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The federal grant will be used by MDOT to continue improving the accelerated rail line to enhance 110 mph Amtrak service between Kalamazoo and Dearborn, part of Michigan's Wolverine line.

"This funding is critical for projects to improve existing service and further reducing travel times," said Tim Hoeffner, director of MDOT's rail office. "Not only will these projects increase passenger connectivity, but they also will improve freight movement along this vital commercial corridor."

The federal grant announcement is available online at http://www.dot.gov/briefing-room/us-transportation-secretary-foxx-announces-474-million-52-tiger-2013-projects-37.

MDOT: Working with our partners at airports, bus systems, marine and rail to find innovative solutions for Michigan's transportation systems.