WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKZO AM/FM) — U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, announced on Tuesday, August 16, a grant of $1,548,750 for preliminary engineering and preparation of National Environmental Policy Act documents as part of plans to replace five bridges along the state-owned Kalamazoo to Dearbornerail corridor.
The rail line is used by Amtrak’s Wolverine and Blue Water trains.
“I have highlighted and will continue to highlight the need for serious work on infrastructure in Michigan,” said Upton. “Amtrak provides an important link between Kalamazoo and the Detroit area, and on to Chicago and points west. Ensuring these bridges remain in service, and trains can at least maintain current speeds, is critical to the viability of passenger rail service in Michigan. Ultimately, this should help with getting high-speed rail across Michigan”
In addition to federal grant money, Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation are set to provide 25 percent funding matches.
Funding for the grant comes from the Fiscal Year 2021 Federal State Partnership State of Good Repair Grant Program.
Officials say the work will also increase load ratings for the bridges, which are located in Kalamazoo, Augusta, Jackson and Ann Arbor.
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