SR-44, As Adopted by Senate, April 28, 2011

            Senator Nofs offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 44.

            A resolution in support and recognition of National Train Day on May 7, 2011.

            Whereas, Ridership on Amtrak reaches historic high levels each year and is on track in 2011 for its best ridership year ever, further demonstrating the increased demand for statewide passenger rail services; and

            Whereas, In 2010, Amtrak provided statewide passenger rail travel to over three-quarters of a million Michigan travelers; and

            Whereas, Amtrak annually provides passenger rail travel to over 28 million Americans residing in 46 states; and

            Whereas, For many rural Americans, Amtrak represents the only major passenger transportation link to the rest of the country; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s 22 railroad stations are a source of civic pride, a gateway to our communities, and a tool for economic growth that creates transportation-oriented development and livable communities; and

            Whereas, In highly-populated regions, Amtrak trains and infrastructure carry passengers and commuters to and from work in congested metropolitan areas, providing a reliable rail option while reducing congestion on roads and in the skies; and

            Whereas, Passenger rail provides a more fuel-efficient transportation system, thereby providing cleaner transportation alternatives and energy security. When combined with all modes of transportation, passenger railroads emit only 0.2 percent of the travel industry’s total greenhouse gases, and one freight train can move a ton of freight 457 miles on one gallon of fuel; and

            Whereas, On May 10, 1869, the “golden spike” was driven into the final tie at Promontory Summit, Utah, to join the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroads, ceremonially completing the first transcontinental railroad and, therefore, connecting both coasts of the United States; now, therefore, be it             Resolved by the Senate, That the state of Michigan embraces Amtrak’s invitation to Discover the Rail Way^SM; and be it further

            Resolved, That this legislative body hereby recognize National Train Day on May 7, 2011. We celebrate the pivotal role that a robust intercity passenger rail system can provide for better mobility for persons of all abilities; and be it further

            Resolved, That we encourage local railroad stations to hold events for their communities to commemorate this momentous day in railroad history; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Amtrak, and the Michigan Environmental Council.