PROOS HELPS SECURE FUNDING TO PERE MARQUETTE LINE

The Amtrak Pere Marquette rail will continue operation through September under legislation approved by a House committee today, announced state Rep. John Proos.

Proos, a lawmaker from Southwest Michigan, said the Pere Marquette line is an important economic tool, and has fought diligently to preserve funding for the line since a recent proposal by the Michigan Department of Transportation to close the Pere Marquette rail service between Grand Rapids and Chicago was announced.

"Closing this line is a short-sighted government 'solution' that would be a costly mistake for the state's economic development and tourism interests," said Proos, R-St. Joseph. "This line has a proven track record of success in Southwest Michigan, and closing it down would hinder economic growth in our state."

Proos and several other lawmakers sent a letter to Kirk T. Steudle, Michigan Department of Transportation director, highlighting the importance of the rail line to families and local communities.

"There is no question that there are limited funds to go around this year, and by investing wisely, we can turn our state around," Proos said. "State government's top priority has to be job creation. This is a minor investment for a major return that encourages economic investment and tourism in Southwest Michigan."

The lawmakers' letter points to the exponential business and population growth in the city of Grand Rapids in recent years, as well as in other Southwest Michigan communities such as New Buffalo, Niles, South Haven and Holland. The letter also mentions the valuable link the rail service provides to Chicago residents who travel north into Michigan for recreation and vacation opportunities.

Proos also noted that according to MDOT's own Web site, from "2002 to 2008, Amtrak ridership in Michigan has grown by 60 percent," and "Pere Marquette service has grown every year since 2001."

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