Public Comment on Woodward Light Rail Project Ends Monday

Residents and business owners have until the end of the day Monday to submit input on the Woodward Avenue Light Rail Transit Project.

The project would create a light rail line linking key areas along Woodward Avenue – from downtown Detroit to a site near Eight Mile Road and the State Fairgrounds – including Palmer Park, New Center, Wayne State University, Comerica Park and Ford Field.

The Federal Transit Agency and the city of Detroit are working in partnership on the project, which has several aims, including:

• Ease congestion along Woodward Avenue
• Increase the reliability and availability of transportation
• Provide an alternative to private automobile use

A variety of design options with varying travel times and station locations exist. Organizers estimate the project could cost between $450 million and $500 million.

"The main sources of funding for the project are approximately $125 million in private philanthropy and public investment raised by M-1 RAIL, a $25 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant and an anticipated grant from the FTA under the New Starts program that could cover up to 60 percent of the capital cost," according to the project website.

While the line would not run as far north as Berkley or Huntington Woods, proponents are taking a big picture approach.

"The work under way in Detroit, including broader discussions of funding and a Regional Transit Authority, is a significant step toward a larger system that will support jobs and business investments throughout the region," Berkley City Council member Steve Baker said. "This public input phase is a chance for us to share our vision and beliefs for the region's long-term growth. This includes higher property values, better access to shopping and entertainment, reduced auto traffic volumes, additional transit choices, and more."

If you were unable to attend public hearings on the project, you can study it at www.woodwardlightrail.com submit your input via e-mail to woodwardlightrail@detroitmi.gov by the end of Monday.

The public comment period began Jan. 28 and input gathered will be used to shape the proposal. Public comments on the project's potential impacts on human and natural environments, as well as historic sites, will be considered in the final environmental impact statement.