Today U.S. Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) commended the Federal Railroad Administration for obligating $28,204,450 in investment funding to the Michigan Department of Transportation for the building of a new Dearborn train station. This funding will allow the city of Dearborn to consolidate its two passenger rail stations into a intermodal station in the west section of downtown Dearborn.
"This is such an exciting day for the city of Dearborn and The Henry Ford," said Dingell. "Improving passenger rail service is something I have long supported, and I look forward to helping this project succeed. Modernizing rail travel will help attract small business development, increase job growth, and enhance the livelihood of communities and business, by helping to expedite the time and efficiency of people and goods getting from point A to point B. The city of Dearborn and its economy will reap the benefits of this investment for many years."
"This project is part of a larger strategy to increase the number of potential customers coming to Dearborn every day. Increasing the customer base sustains existing businesses and attracts new activity and investment," said Dearborn Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr. "I have to personally thank our Congressional representatives, particularly Congressman John Dingell and Senator Debbie Stabenow, for their support and intervention to keep this project on track and create new employment opportunities in our area. This project would not have been possible without active participation from The Henry Ford, led by Patricia Mooradian, the State of Michigan Department of Transportation and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. With their ongoing help, Dearborn will be a vital stop on a growing and prospering transportation corridor."
"The Henry Ford has been working in close collaboration on this project with the city of Dearborn, MDOT and SEMCOG for over a decade. That perseverance is a reflection of the optimistic 'can do' attitude that we represent and promote every day in our exhibits, programs and operations," said Patricia E. Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford. "The new Dearborn Intermodal Train Station will spur additional travel to the city and to our National Historic Landmark site. It will afford a new entryway onto our campus while serving as a catalyst for new transit oriented development within our community. But perhaps as importantly, this project demonstrates that through close and committed collaboration between public and private sector entities, enhanced transportation options can be developed and realized within our region, making it a more attractive place for people to live, work and visit."
The Federal Railroad Administration selected the Dearborn rail station to be funded under the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail program. The intermodal facility will be designed for the planned Ann Arbor–Detroit commuter rail as well as future high-speed intercity passenger rail service. The station will accommodate city, regional and intercity bus systems; local and tourist shuttles; bicycle and greenway linkages; and, auto, taxi and limousine connections to Detroit International Airport. The Dearborn station will continue to serve Amtrak's Wolverine line, which provides round trips daily between Pontiac, Mich., and Chicago.
