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Visitor asks Houghton County for a nonbinding letter supporting Amtrak service to the Upper Peninsula
Summary
A presenter requested a nonbinding county letter supporting Amtrak expansion to the Upper Peninsula, saying federal and state funding is available and estimating one train per day and about 300 passengers to the Keweenaw; commissioners asked staff to gather more details before placing the item on the next agenda.
Louis Vallance appeared by Microsoft Teams during the March 2 work session to request a nonbinding letter of support or resolution from the Houghton County Board of Commissioners for Amtrak service to the Upper Peninsula.
Vallance said there is both federal and state funding for passenger-rail projects and told the board there is "approximately $8 billion available in grants." He said initial service could be "one train per day" and estimated the route might bring "possibly 300 passengers" to the Keweenaw Peninsula each day, creating local employment opportunities. He said he would forward letters of support and copies of resolutions other jurisdictions have adopted.
Commissioners asked staff to follow up with Vallance to obtain route details, maps, easement information and any application materials. Concerns raised by attendees included impacts on trail grooming and how the line would pass through the City of Houghton and over the local bridge; the Board agreed to place the item on a future meeting agenda once additional information is provided.
