HB 6484 passed out of the state House of Representatives late last night.  This bill authorizes up to $100 million of state construction bonds to be used to cover the necessary state match requirement to receive the $160 million federal high-speed rail grant awarded to Michigan’s Detroit to Chicago passenger rail corridor late last month.

In addition to providing funds for our grant match, the bill also would allow for funds to be made available for other state passenger rail infrastructure projects, whether that be to match future federal awards, support new commuter or light rail projects, or fund passenger rail infrastructure needs along Michigan’s other rail corridors.

It is critical that this bill pass the state Senate when they reconvene in December in order for Michigan to receive the federal HSR money and fund other passenger rail projects being planned in the state.  Please contact your state Senator and ask them to support HB 6484.  Here is a letter template you can use:

INSERT YOUR NAME

ADDRESS

November 15, 2010

The Honorable (INSERT FULL NAME.  Find your Senator here: http://senate.michigan.gov/SenatorInfo/find-your-senator.htm)

State Senator

State Capitol

P.O. Box 30036

Lansing, MI 48909-7536

Re:      Please Support HB 6484 – the Rail Bonding bill

Dear Senator (INSERT SENATOR’S LAST NAME.  Find your Senator here: http://senate.michigan.gov/SenatorInfo/find-your-senator.htm):

I write to encourage you to support HB 6484.  This bill – introduced by Representative Wayne Schmidt – authorizes up to $100 million of state construction bonds to be used to cover the necessary state match requirement to receive the $160 million federal high-speed rail grant awarded to Michigan’s Detroit to Chicago passenger rail corridor late last month.

In addition to providing funds for our grant match, the bill also would allow for funds to be made available for other state passenger rail infrastructure projects, whether that be to match future federal awards, support new commuter or light rail projects, or fund passenger rail infrastructure needs along Michigan’s other rail corridors.

It passed the House with bi-partisan support on November 10, 2010 with 67 voting in favor.

Please ask Leader Bishop to bring HB 6484 up for a vote and help pass it.

Sincerely,

XYZ

Here is the word document that you can download and alter:

Dear Senator HB 6484