Thank You, Florida: Michigan Receives $200 Million for High-Speed Rail

 It’s been a week since Governor Snyder and U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood announced the federal funding of $200 million for various transportation projects, the majority of which is going to the development of a high-speed rail system between Kalamazoo and Dearborn, but the excitement is still fresh. The money will be spent upgrading current track which spans 135 miles between the two cities. This is the first step in a plan to eventually connect Detroit to Chicago through high-speed rail.

The new rail system will allow passengers to eventually make this trip at 110 mph, shortening it by almost an hour. While the highway commute from Detroit to Chicago takes approximately 5 hours, the proposed high-speed rail system will take a passenger the same distance in just about 4 hours. Not only will more people get to their destinations faster, but fewer cars will be on the road—meaning less gas consumed and less carbon emitted into the atmosphere. This decision benefits both Michigan’s citizens and our environment, clearly a positive action taken by Governor Snyder and the Department of Environmental Quality.

Before the official announcement, LaHood made a point to mention how Snyder was setting himself apart from other Republican governors who rejected high-speed rail plans, illustrating that this decision is not one of partisanship, but rather a decision that puts Michigan’s citizens at the forefront of its agenda.

Carl Levin commented on the federal funding, and the benefits it will have for the state, “This funding will help move Michigan and the nation forward by making high-speed rail a part of our economic infrastructure.”

Debbie Stabenow also offered her opinion, “Construction of new high-speed lines will create jobs and generate more business activity in Michigan.” While this is certainly something to be pleased about, we can be even more pleased in knowing that this job-creating project will have a positive environmental impact in Michigan.

The federal funding comes from money rejected by Florida’s governor Rick Scott for a high-speed rail system there. It is part of the federal government’s country-wide $2 billion investment in high-speed rail. Michigan was one of 15 states to receive Florida’s rejected funds.

The entire high-speed rail project, spanning Detroit to Chicago, could be completed by the end of 2013. Michigan citizens can expect faster, more enjoyable commutes, with less worry about paying for gas. Thanks to Florida, Michigan is quickly becoming a leader in modern transportation technology that is less harsh on the environment.