Despite a disappointing set back, supporters of the proposed commuter rail line between Ann Arbor and Howell are moving forward full steam ahead, planning to start service by next spring.
The stumbling block: The Washtenaw and Livingston Line, commonly known as WALLY, did not receive a $1 million federal grant for the project. That leaves the project $1 million in the red.
The answer: The commuter rail line, which will mirror U.S. 23, is going to local governments, businesses and institutions looking for the money to fill the gap. Organizers are also rearranging some aspects of the project, such as delaying the opening of the Hamburg Township station until after the line is up and running. These actions are expected to bring the project back into the black within 60 to 90 days.
"Overwhelmingly, we're moving ahead," says Mike Cicchella, Northfield Township Supervisor and a founding member of WALLY. "We have most of the money for it between the ridership and MDOT. It's picking up this last part."
Organizers are still going after federal grant money and are hopeful they will get a good chunk of it after the train is up and running. The project, close to becoming the first rapid transit system in Metro Detroit in decades, has enjoyed near unanimous support from federal, state and local officials. The Michigan Department of Transportation pledged $1.4 million on top of the $375,000 it has already committed to the project. Other local governments are pledging money ranging from the $150,000 from Washtenaw County to $10,000 from Northfield Township.
Leaders from the Ann Arbor area started pushing for a commuter rail line north of the city along U.S. 23 into Livingston County last year to help deal with construction improvements along the highway. Although it didn't work out that way, leaders from all over the area are now pushing to make the line permanent with stops in Ann Arbor, Whitmore Lake, Hamburg Township, Genoa Township and Howell.
The idea is to help relieve congestion along U.S. 23. Rush hour traffic often goes beyond the highway's capacity, turning the four-lane highway into a parking lot.
A three-car passenger train would make six trips during the morning rush hour and another six trips in the afternoon/evening rush hour. Each stainless steel bi-level car could carry between 500 to 600 people per trip. A train would take about 20 minutes one way, saving commuters about 45 minutes in transport time, officials say.
It is estimated the cost to passengers could be kept in line with what they pay for gas. The city also has an enthusiastic partner in Great Lakes Central Railroad, also known as the Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway, which is willing to set up the service and provide the trains.
Great Lakes Central is also interested extending the line as far north as Traverse City and as far south as Milan in the long term if the initial project proves successful.
Source: Mike Cicchella, Northfield Township Supervisor and a founding member of the Washtenaw and Livingston Line
Writer: Jon Zemke
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