Construction for the New Light Rail System Will Be Able to Use Private Matching Funds
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI-13), Michigan’s sole Appropriator, successfully added an amendment that would allow the City of Detroit to use matching funds for the construction of light rail to the omnibus appropriations bill. The Congresswoman was appointed to serve on the committee responsible for reviewing and approving the $450 billion, six-bill appropriations measure. The legislation, a combination of the Transportation/HUD, Labor/HHS/Education, Commerce/Justice/Science, Military Construction/VA, State/Foreign Operations, and Financial Services appropriations bills, marks the completion of the 2009 appropriations process.
“After months of intense negotiations with the House and Senate Appropriators on the Senate Banking Committee and the House Transportation Committee and with the U.S. Department of Transportation, I was able to forge a compromise that will allow matching funds to be used for light rail in Detroit,” said Congresswoman Kilpatrick. “It was difficult but necessary to secure this compromise for the citizens, businesses, and economy of Michigan. I am confident that we will be able to break ground on this project by summer.”
The compromise, which is included in the final version of the Transportation/HUD Appropriations Conference report, will allow an estimated $125 million in private and non-federal public funds to be applied toward the local match for the Woodward Light Rail project. This initiative marks the first phase of light rail in Detroit and will serve as the basis of the beginning of rapid transit for all of southeastern Michigan. The provision ensures compliance with all federal environmental, “Buy American,” labor protections, and small, minority, and women-owned business inclusions.
“I have always been, and will remain, a strong and strident supporter of light rail in Michigan,” said Congresswoman Kilpatrick. “The initiation, planning, and funding of the Woodward Light Rail project emanated from my office. This conference report is the realization for the people of Detroit that we will no longer be the last major city in North America without a light rail system.”
One of the main reasons Michigan is a “donor state” is because it does not get reimbursed for light rail, commuter rail, or subway funds. The passage and signing of this bill into law will make Michigan eligible for these funds.
The bill will soon be voted on in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The measure is expected to pass the House and Senate and be quickly signed into law by President Barack Obama.
Congresswoman Kilpatrick added, “I thank my colleagues in the Michigan Congressional delegation, Conferee Chairman John Olver and Chairwoman Patty Murray, officials in the Mayor’s Office of the City of Detroit, the Governor’s office, and the U.S. Department of Transportation for their support and invaluable assistance in making this a reality for all Michiganders.”