While a high-speed rail is still a distant fantasy for Michigan, a higher-speed rail is in the foreseeable future. The Michigan Department of Transportation recently received a $196.5 million federal grant to be used for the construction of a high-speed train line. The grant will improve public transit in the state and has the potential to build commerce and generate revenue throughout the Midwest.

The grant will fund the engineering, design and construction of the train that will travel at 110 miles per hour. Michigan is using $140 million to build 135 miles of train tracks. The goal is to ease traffic congestion, decrease delays and improve reliability in an effort to attract more passengers. The money will also be put toward improving safety and signals for the existing train that runs between Detroit and Kalamazoo.

The improvements will be made to the existing train lines connecting Detroit and Chicago. The two cities are vital hubs in the Midwest, and making transportation between them easier and faster is essential to growing the economy and encouraging commerce between the two cities.

Advancements on American train travel have lagged behind travel throughout Asia and Europe, which have functioning high-speed rail lines. In March, Chicago made substantial advancements on a high-speed line that connects to St. Louis, and building a route to Detroit is the next logical step. Prompt and efficient train travel is essential for encouraging people to use trains as an alternative to other forms of transportation.

Improvements to existing tracks and building more tracks are an important investment in Michigan’s infrastructure. The development will also make Detroit and the state more attractive for businesses as well as prospective residents because Detroit will be connected to other major cities.

With growing concerns about the nation’s environmental impact, the use of mass transit is more important than ever. Public transportation such as trains and buses are more eco-friendly options than automobiles. Making train travel more appealing than driving is necessary to help citizens make eco-friendly choices that are also friendly to their wallets and schedules.

The construction of the project is also going to have economic benefits. The Department of Transportation estimated that 800 workers will be hired to work on the development, which will help put Michigan residents back to work.

While many Americans are concerned about government spending, this is the type of investment that will make the country and state stronger. Investments in infrastructure and projects that create jobs are crucial for rebuilding the economy in both the short-term and the long-term.

Improvements to public transportation systems throughout the state should be encouraged. The government at the state and federal level should continue to support similar ventures that help rebuild Michigan, economically and structurally.