Above: The renovated and re-purposed train station in Mt. Pleasant.
The Michigan North+South Rail study is moving full steam ahead. The study, happening this year, is regarded as one of the most significant phases in advancing a new rail service because it is taking a deep dive into what is needed for the service to run. The study is also one of the most important, high-profile studies required by the Federal Railroad Administration and is key to the project staying in the national rail project pipeline.
While experts are analyzing things like track quality, ridership potential, and operational logistics, Groundwork is meeting with towns all along the proposed route to fully understand regional priorities and identify local-level barriers or constraints we need to be aware of.
To do just that, this spring we kicked off a series of meetings with stakeholders who represent a wide variety of community needs and voices. In April we spoke first with people in Kalkaska, then Clare, and, at the end of the month, Mt. Pleasant. We have scheduled more meetings throughout May and June.
From left: Clare Union Railroad Depot. Trains are a favorite mode of transportation for Amish families, (Michigan ranks 6th in state Amish population.) Downtown Claire would likely see an economic boost from passenger rail.
Community leaders told us that the greatest benefits they see in passenger rail are:
- Spur economic growth
- Attract visitors
- Offer people access to cultural activities
- Benefit students, nondrivers, and aging adults
- Improve connectivity to regional destinations
- Support local businesses and improve downtown walkability
- Provide a safer alternative to long-distance driving, especially for older residents or new drivers.
We’re also learning about key challenges, like funding, public awareness, needed infrastructure upgrades, and how passenger trains would interact with freight trains.
It’s been really inspiring to connect and hear the pride people have in their hometowns and to more deeply understand their hopes for what rail service could add to the future.
Public meetings are coming this summer, stay tuned for one near you!
We look forward to hearing your thoughts! 
Carolyn Ulstad is Groundwork’s Transportation Program Manager.
carolyn.ulstad@groundworkcenter.org
