Rep. Donigan offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 107.

            A resolution to memorialize Congress to reauthorize Amtrak funding and support states in their efforts to expand passenger rail service.

            Whereas, Passenger rail service has historically focused on long distance routes. States may provide shorter, regional service if the state pays most of the cost. Fourteen states, including Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, provide funding support to Amtrak to support in-state and regional passenger rail systems; and

            Whereas, Ridership on these shorter, regional routes has increased dramatically in the past two years. Ticket sales on Midwest intercity rail lines have reach record numbers. In Michigan, ridership has risen by 31 percent on the Blue Water passenger train and 20 percent on the Wolverine passenger train over the past two years. The state hopes to add passenger rail service between Detroit and Ann Arbor. Expanded passenger rail service is being promoted as a solution to rising oil prices, pollution, and increased highway congestion; and

            Whereas, States would like federal assistance in funding the shorter passenger rail services. Federal matching dollars are provided for other transportation modes, and states would like to see a similar program for in-state and regional passenger rail projects. Senate Bill 294, currently before the United States Senate, would provide $19.2 billion in reauthorization funds to Amtrak and provide grants to state projects; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to reauthorize Amtrak funding and support states in their efforts to expand passenger rail service; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.