Detroit moves forward with plan for light-rail project

[LuckyTheDog]

Construction on the Woodward Light Rail project from downtown to Eight Mile is expected to begin next year, and the federal government has pledged to conduct an environmental impact study required for the plan to move forward.

City, state and federal officials announced plans for the study today at a news conference on the steps of the Detroit Institute of Arts -- one of the proposed stops on the route. The study, which officials expect to take a year to 18 months to complete, must be done to so that federal matching funds can be used.

The total project, which will create a light-rail system with multiple stops to spur economic growth along the Woodward rail corridor, is expected to cost anywhere from $450 to $500 million. So far, $125 million in private and public funds have been raised to complete the first phase of the project with the hope that the federal government will pick up much of the rest.


From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100802/METRO/8020391/Detroit-moves-forward-with-plan-for-light-rail-project#ixzz0vTZc79JK

[marmar]

1. Would you cross-post this in the public transportation/smart growth forum?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=398

[marmar]

2. Here's a video simulation of the Detroit Light Rail project:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO2-IKM9Jpo

[JNelson6563]

3. There's a lot of investment in MI right now.

With every story I am more encouraged about the future of this great state. Now if we can just vote Virg in the Gov's mansion this fall, we'll be on our way.

Julie