Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Monday that Michigan has applied for $830 million in federal stimulus funds as the first step in setting up high-speed rail across the state.
The money is part of $8 billion set aside for high-speed rail. Michigan’s request is part of the eight-state Midwestern plan to create a high-speed network with a hub in Chicago.
Proposals requesting the funds were due Monday. The funds would be used to help finance a high-speed train between Detroit and Chicago. Granholm said the money would create up to 10,000 jobs.
“For Michigan, this is so significant because it means clearly there will be a quick line from Pontiac to Detroit over to Chicago,” Granholm said in a press conference aboard an Amtrak train.
