Feds Eye Light-Rail Plan

Federal transportation officials said they want additional information before committing funds to a proposed light-rail line financed by private investors along one of Detroit’s main thoroughfares.

Officials supporting the M-1 light-rail project said they would provide the information within the next 60 days. The plan calls for a 3.3-mile line along Woodward Avenue.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Transit Administration chief Peter Rogoff met Monday to discuss the project with Mayor Dave Bing, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, lawmakers and a local businessman who is heading up the light-rail project.

“We all agree we need to improve the regional transit system,” Snyder said at a press conference with Bing after the meeting. “There are a handful of questions — just four or five important questions — dealing with the operating costs, capital costs and things we should answer.”

The private investors said they have raised nearly all of the $137 million to build the line and would pay 80% of operating costs through 2025.

The project reportedly needs federal funding to advance. Investors are hoping for a $25 million TIGER — Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery — grant, and $16 million in federal new market tax credits.

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Transportation industry Michigan
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