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We need all people in Michigan to raise enough hell with there legislatures in Michigan to get a supplemental Bill drawn up to put the $1 million back into the Amtrak budget we have to do this ASAP keep calling Governor Granholm and all your elected officials.
Governor Granholm's Offices Governor Jennifer M. Granholm P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, Michigan 48909 PHONE (517) 373-3400 FAX (517) 335-6863 SE Michigan Office 3022 W. Grand Blvd. Cadillac Place, Suite 14-150 Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 456-0010 Northern Michigan Office 1504 West Washington, Suite B Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 228-2850 Washington D.C. Office 444 N. Capitol Street, Northwest Hall of the States, Suite 411 Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 624-5840
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Here is the person behind the senate that got all the senators to VOTE down from $7.1million to $6.1 million. She is for Indian Trails and Greyhound and ANTI AMTRAK.
Shirley Johnson Republican of District 13 Office Phone: (517) 373-2523 Office Location: S-324 Capitol E-mail Address: SenSJohnson@senate.michigan.gov
-------------------- Matt Marderosian Director Of Save Our Trains Michigan www.saveourtrainsmichigan
Friday, September 30, 2005 Governor Granholm signed into law the FY 2006 budget act (P.A. 158) which authorizes $6.1 million for operation of the Blue Water and Pere Marquette trains for the budget year. The act requires that both trains run on a 7-day per week schedule and serve all cities along their routes. The act also provides for penalties if Amtrak chooses to eliminate any of the service prior to the end of the budget year (September 30, 2006).
The act also requires MDOT to work toward finding ways to reduce expenses of operating the trains. This could mean a number of things, such as station staffing, food service, and other operational costs.
There is a provision for increasing the funding level to $7.1 million if Amtrak signs an agreement to move its Beech Grove, Indiana equipment repair and maintenance operation to Battle Creek. Amtrak has already indicated that this is unlikely to occur.
The act is silent regarding fares. Amtrak could conceivably raise its fares to make up for the shortfall in state support. Amtrak has already announced a nationwide fare increase to offset rising fuel expenses.
MARP wishes to thank its members who communicated their support of Michigan passenger rail service to community leaders and state officials. MARP will continue to work with MDOT and state officials toward reinstating the $7.1 million funding level during the budget year. It is important to let people know that both trains are still running.
-------------------- Matt Marderosian Director Of Save Our Trains Michigan www.saveourtrainsmichigan
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