house resolution no.293

Reps. Sneller, Sowerby, Ellison, Cherry, O'Malley, Roth, Clemente, Brabec, Neeley, Steenland, Liberati, Shannon, Camilleri, Peterson, Howell, Sabo, LaFave, Griffin, Lasinski, Jones, Coleman and Yancey offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare May 11, 2022, as Rail Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, America celebrates National Rail Day in May to commemorate the completion of America’s first transcontinental railroad on May 11, 1869; and

Whereas, Michigan is fortunate to have 3,465 freight rail miles operated by 29 freight carriers and Amtrak passenger service; and

Whereas, From the auto industry and other manufacturers to mining and agriculture, Michigan’s productive freight rail network provides key connections to keep the Great Lakes State economy vibrant; and

Whereas, Railroads are a very safe way to move freight and are working hard to improve infrastructure and equipment safety, reduce human error and protect the rail network every day; and

Whereas, Between 2000 and 2021, train accidents were down 33% and between 2000 and 2020, the hazmat accident rate was down 60%. The rail employee injury rate in 2020 was an all-time low; and 

Whereas, Technology used throughout the nearly 140,000-mile national rail network — from smart sensors to big data and drones — ensure infrastructure and equipment remains safe; and

Whereas, Moving freight by rail prevented 6.97 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking 1.37 million cars off the road or planting 105.6 million trees; and

Whereas, Railroads help preserve infrastructure and aid in cutting congestion. Freight railroads take 4.7 million truckloads off Michigan roads annually; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 11, 2022, as Rail Day in the state of Michigan, and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize and celebrate the pivotal role that a robust freight railroad and passenger system is to the residents of the Great Lakes State.