Marquette Supports Expansion of Amtrak to Upper Peninsula

Marquette City Commission passed a resolution supporting the expansion of Amtrak passenger rail service into the Upper Peninsula to improve mobility, support local business, and promote regional development. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak expansion gains momentum in Marquette and beyond

The City Commission voted unanimously to endorse the resolution, emphasizing the need for broader transportation options in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Currently, Amtrak provides no service in the region.

City Manager Karen Kovacs noted that municipalities across Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have shown similar support. “We’ve seen multiple communities advocating for this,” she explained. “So it’s important Marquette joins that network of support.”

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The resolution aims to persuade key stakeholders such as MDOT and Amtrak leadership to explore potential routes. Kovacs said the document would also be shared with other Midwest states to broaden collaboration.

Amtrak rail could drive growth but needs major planning

Michigan’s Department of Transportation stated that introducing Amtrak to the Upper Peninsula would require detailed studies. These would include route feasibility, projected ridership, and infrastructure costs.

Mayor Jessica Hanley expressed both optimism and caution. “Adding Amtrak would be fantastic for the region,” she said. “But we don’t have the infrastructure now, so we’d need to evaluate land availability and plan suitable rail paths.”

She acknowledged that while the project would be complex, community support could make a difference. “If a committed group steps up to lead this effort, I’m ready to back it,” she added.

Balancing air and rail transportation strategies

InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante supported the idea but cautioned that attention must remain on Essential Air Service programs. “We can pursue rail without ignoring air travel needs,” he said. “Both conversations can happen together.”

While no formal plans have been announced, growing regional support could eventually influence federal or state transportation agendas. The resolution represents a strategic effort to increase visibility and demonstrate demand for expanded services.

By championing Amtrak rail access, Marquette takes a proactive step toward reshaping the Upper Peninsula’s transportation future—one that balances long-term mobility, economic growth, and local accessibility.

Source: www.uppermichiganssource.com

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