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Ishpeming council adopts resolution supporting Amtrak service to Upper Peninsula
Summary
The council adopted Resolution 20‑2025 urging state and federal partners to study and pursue extension of Amtrak passenger rail service to the Upper Peninsula, a measure promoted by a resident who has been working with regional advocates.
The Ishpeming City Council voted to adopt Resolution 20‑2025 expressing support for expanded Amtrak passenger rail service into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including potential routes serving Ishpeming.
Louis Ballance, a resident and advocate for expanded rail service, spoke during public comment and urged the council to back the effort to add passenger rail connections that would link the region to Milwaukee and Chicago. Ballance described proposed routing options and said the expansion would be funded at the federal and state levels, not by the city.
The resolution cites economic and mobility benefits of passenger rail, asks state and federal transportation agencies to prioritize feasibility studies and infrastructure investments, and directs the city clerk to forward the resolution to the Michigan Department of Transportation and other officials. The council adopted the resolution by voice vote.
The resolution does not commit local funds; council members emphasized that any infrastructure or operating needs would require separate funding agreements and additional approvals. Supporters said passenger rail could improve tourism access and provide alternative transportation for residents in rural parts of the region.
Ending
City staff will transmit the adopted resolution to state and federal transportation offices as written. Advocates indicated they will continue outreach and feasibility work with regional partners and elected officials.
