Michigan Amtrak Budget 1 million less then nedded

[Save Our Trains Michigan]

TRANSPORTATION: The 2005-06 Department of Transportation budget

approved by the conference committee Thursday would reduce state

funding for Amtrak by $1 million unless the company builds a new

maintenance facility in Michigan.

Under SB 281, Amtrak next year would get $6.1 million in state funds,

down from the $7.1 million it currently receives, an amount Ms.

Granholm had proposed in her budget to continue next year.

An amendment introduced by Rep. Rich Brown, (D-Bessemer) would

restore the lost funding if Amtrak goes through with plans to locate

a new maintenance facility in Michigan, which, Mr. Brown said, would

bring hundreds of jobs to the state.

U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-Battle Creek) is working to move the

Amtrak maintenance facility from Indiana to Michigan, and Senate

officials said the promise of the extra $1 million is an inducement

to the rail line to move the facility here.

The $1 million was transferred into the Comprehensive Transportation

Fund.

My Webpage

 

[Save Our Trains Michigan]

If this passes this will be the end for the Blue Water and the Pere Marquette trains we need $7.1 million no less so if you live in Michigan or any other State and you use these 2 trains please call and tell them to give the full funding of $7.1 million or like i said the trains will come off. :angry:

 

[Save Our Trains Michigan]

This is from MARP's yahoo e mail group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 19, 2005

CONTACT: Mike Whims, Chairman or John DeLora, Executive Director

PHONE: (248) 892-4545 or (313) 575-6608

TWO MICHIGAN AMTRAK ROUTES COULD STOP IN OCTOBER

Many Michigan Amtrak passengers may be left at the station after

state Legislators recommended cutting $1 million from Michigan's

fiscal year 2006 passenger rail budget on Thursday. The budget will

go to Governor Granholm. If approved, this cut will end the Port

Huron - East Lansing - Chicago Blue Water and the Grand Rapids -

Holland - Chicago Pere Marquette trains.

The Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers (MARP) opposes any

cuts to Amtrak, especially at a time when both the Blue Water and

Pere Marquette are experiencing ridership increases. During the first

half of the current fiscal year, the Blue Water has experienced a 21%

ridership increase and the Pere Marquette has seen an 11% increase

compared to the same period a year ago.

Amtrak currently receives $7.1 million from the state; however,

Senate Bill 281 would cut next year's budget down to $6.1 million.

Cutting $1million from Amtrak's budget forces both the Blue Water and

Pere Marquette to be eliminated under the current contract with the

state. The bill contains an amendment by Rich Brown (D-Bessemer) that

would restore funding if Amtrak would move a major maintenance

facility from Beech Grove, Indiana (near Indianapolis) to Michigan.

"This is political blackmail," said Mike Whims, MARP

Chairman. "Amtrak is not going to move a multi-million dollar

facility based solely on getting back the $1 million it already needs

for Michigan train operations."

MARP believes these Amtrak routes are a valuable form of

transportation for many Michigan communities. In addition, Amtrak

provides jobs to Michigan citizens and purchases goods and services

from several Michigan businesses. "The increasing ridership proves

that Michigan citizens want the service. High fuel prices and airline

bankruptcies make train service even more critical for the future,"

said Whims.

Citizens are urged to contact Governor Granholm, state

representatives, and state senators to voice support for Amtrak.

The Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers is an all volunteer,

non-profit corporation established in 1973 to improve passenger train

service, travel conditions for passengers, and to work for the

preservation of historic rail stations.

For further information please contact Mike Whims (248) 892-4545 or

John DeLora at (313) 575-6608 or visit MARP's website at

http://www.marp.org.