Statement from M-1 regarding June 4, 2012 meeting
Statement from M‐1 RAIL regarding June 4, 2012 meeting with Mayor Bing, Governor Snyder,
Secretary Ray LaHood
June 4, 2012
The leadership of M‐1 RAIL had a positive dialog this morning with Secretary LaHood, Governor
Snyder, Federal Transit Administrator Rogoff, members of the Michigan congressional
delegation, and Mayor Bing about the progress of the M1 project. All the parties reaffirmed the
overarching value of building the M‐1 line within the City and their support for the project. The
M‐1 Rail representatives committed to working hand‐in‐glove with federal officials and the
Governor’s office to bring into sharper resolution, and to resolve, a handful of remaining topics
– primarily related to the system’s operating model – that will enable the project to be a
sustainable component of a comprehensive regional transportation system. Each of the
meeting participants was adamant in his belief that the M‐1 line will enhance the revitalization
of Detroit, spur the advancement of a strong regional transit system in Southeast Michigan,
strengthen the core of our entire region, bring economic investment and growth, create jobs,
and boost the development of walkable, vibrant neighborhoods in Detroit.
In January, we entered into a 90‐day review process of this project. This review process was
both rewarding and productive, and the expertise and guidance provided by the City, the State
and the Federal Transit Administration were invaluable. On April 20 we submitted a very
detailed, 1,200‐page Business Plan prepared through the dedicated efforts of more than 30
people, from experts in transit development to leaders in the Detroit community.
The review was thorough and comprehensive, and it confirmed our belief that the M‐1 RAIL
project is fully feasible, that it is vital to the future of Detroit, and that it must move forward.
The Secretary affirmed that M‐1 RAIL represents a public‐private partnership like no other in
our nation’s history. Detroit has the opportunity to lead the nation and set the example for how
business, government and philanthropy can work collaboratively and intelligently to build a
project of this magnitude, one that is certain to have a lasting, positive impact on the entire
region.
And we are not alone in this belief. Supporters of this project have grown substantially since we
began our renewed effort in January, and our donors now include: Quicken, Penske Corp.,
Compuware, the Ilitch Companies, the Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System,
Wayne State University, the Detroit Downtown Development Authority, the Kresge Foundation,
Chevrolet, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wayne County, Hudson‐Webber, the Ford Foundation, The
Kellogg Foundation, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler and Bank of America.
Today’s meeting delivered clear statements of support from every level and group involved,
and it identified for us certain topics that, while addressed in our business plan, require
additional sharpening and refinement. These topics centered primarily on our operating model
and sustainability of the project. We will address these issues comprehensively in the coming
days.
We look forward to quickly gaining consensus on the last few remaining issues and to
continuing our collaboration with the whole team as we move towards our goal to break
ground on this important project in 2013 to coincide with MDOT’s plan for major
reconstruction of Woodward Avenue. This critical project has been widely and steadfastly
supported by the business and philanthropic communities for more than four years. We look
forward to the day early in 2015 when we step on board new, modern streetcars on Woodward
Avenue.
Passengers wait for a train at Ann Arbor’s Amtrak station. Ypsilanti officials are considering whether to ask the passenger rail carrier to add a stop in Depot Town.
