Congressman John Dingell announces $1 million grant to rebuild Ann Arbor's Blake Transit Center
U.S. Congressman John Dingell, D-Dearborn, announces a $1 million grant to the AATA during a press conference today at the Blake Transit Center.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
U.S. Congressman John Dingell appeared in Ann Arbor this afternoon to announce a $1 million federal grant that will help pay for a new Blake Transit Center downtown.
Addressing a small crowd gathered inside the lobby of the current transit center, Dingell, D-Dearborn, called it a project that benefits all of Washtenaw County.
"This exciting new transit center will help us retain, create, and attract jobs to Washtenaw County," he said after the announcement. "Employers can take comfort in knowing that their employees can get to and from work on a reliable public transportation system, and residents can be assured their families and neighbors will have somewhere safe to wait between trips."
Dingell also said public transit helps reduce greenhouse gases.
The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, which received the grant, is planning to build the new facility on the same parcel of land at 331 S. Fourth Ave., replacing the current one-story, 2,000-square-foot building with a new two-story, 6,000-square-foot transit center that AATA official say will be a landmark building for downtown Ann Arbor.
The AATA, led by CEO Michael Ford, accepted a $1 million federal grant today to help rebuild the Blake Transit Center in downtown Ann Arbor. Here, Ford applauds Congressman John Dingell.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The new facility will feature a modernized ticket office, a spacious lobby area, training and meeting rooms and a break area for bus drivers.
AATA officials said today they expect the new building will cost about $4 million. The project is still in the design phase, and construction has not yet been approved by AATA's board.
When the project was presented to the board last December, it was estimated to cost somewhere between $2.7 million and $3.7 million. AATA officials noted at the time they already had $1.6 million in federal funds and $402,000 in state funds to put toward the project.
The $1 million Dingell announced today comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation's State of Good Repair Grant program. AATA officials said Dingell played a key role in securing the federal funding. The grant requires a state or local match of $253,000.
The Blake Transit Center, which opened in 1987, has had difficulties in recent years accommodating the growing volume of customers, AATA officials said today. Ridership has grown by 60 percent in the last 23 years, according to the agency.
"In the past five years, we've seen an increase in our ridership of 40 percent for our fixed-route service," said AATA board member Charles Griffith, adding that ridership of demand-response services for seniors and people with disabilities also rose 17 percent in the last three years.
"Today, we're especially grateful for the hard work that Congressman Dingell has provided in helping to bring federal funding to our community and for this facility," Griffith said. "His dedication to the reconstruction of the Blake Transit Center, we hope, will allow us to serve today's demand for transit and meet the needs of customers into the future."
Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje and Susan Pollay, executive director of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, also spoke at today's event.
"Here in downtown Ann Arbor, we know that the small independent businesses and the new economy companies are the groups that are going to be generating the jobs of the future," Pollay said. "And that means that we have to feed those businesses. We have to find a way to support them, and frankly one of the best ways we can is through transit."
Pollay said the number of participants in the DDA's go!pass program has jumped in the last decade from about 200 to more than 500. The go!pass is an unlimited usage bus pass available free to employees who work downtown, except University of Michigan employees. The passes are paid for by employers at a rate of $5 per employee.
"I believe that the mythology that transit benefits only a few needs to be talked about, because I see it actually very differently," Pollay said. "Even if you don't ride a bus, you benefit from less congested roads, you benefit from cleaner air, you benefit from economically vibrant communities. Every day, as we heard, 5,000 people are using this transit center. These are 5,000 people who are not pressing and pushing demands on our downtown parking system."
Hieftje said a new Blake Transit Center will be an active addition downtown.
"Ann Arbor is one of the highest-rated communities in the United States in the number of people that walk, bike, or use public transportation to get to their destination, and we certainly want to continue to move in that direction," Hieftje said.
Lansing-based engineering and architectural firm DLZ is designing the new facility and will work with a yet-to-be-named construction company.
The project schedule calls for starting construction next spring with completion targeted for summer 2012. Throughout construction, the current transit center will remain in operation.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
maallen
Thu, Oct 14, 2010 : 3:44 p.m.
@Deborah Blair-Krosnicki What exactly did Dingell do? Other than his slick public relations team having him show up, what did Dingell do?
mike from saline
Thu, Oct 14, 2010 : 10:47 a.m.
6 months ago I would have scoffed at the idea that Dingell was in danger of losing his seat, and I'm still a little skeptical. I'm a realist, and given the demographics of his district, I don't think I'd bet on it. BUT, if he does lose, and it looks more and more like that may be a posibility, it's going to be a nightmare for the Dems. This will be a referrendum on the Obama Administration. No doubt about it! I said when he was elected that his support was a mile wide, and an inch deep. If the Republicans can nominate a viable candidate [like, say Chris Christie, Govonor of New Jersey], Obama will be a one term President, rarely if ever spoken about, exept in February [Black History Month].
Deborah
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 : 8:25 p.m.
This is great news for the region. So happy that we have a Congressman that actually gets things like this done! Keep up the good work.
shepard145
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 : 6:46 p.m.
Is John going to bring another check for $760,000,000 if the Republican houses fail to stop his obama-care disaster and Michigan is required to fund the huge increase in Medicaid with MASSIVE NEW TAXES? Medicaid and Medicare under fun procedures by 20% and rob us privately insured to pay the difference. Who will be robbed when there are not private insurance companies remaining - as promised? Like other Michigan "representatives", how does he justify failing to read a bill that seeks to create a corrosive European style entitlement that will permanently cripple the US economy? Now Republicans are left to clean up their mess. Not one signature to that legislation should EVER BE VOTED INTO A LEADERSHIP POSITION AGAIN. EVER.
stillhashope
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 : 8:46 a.m.
John Dingell is getting nervous....and he should be.
Diagenes
Wed, Oct 13, 2010 : 7:01 a.m.
Is it ok to force your neighbors to give you money to build a garage on your property? The answer is NO. Then why is it ok for the federal government to force people to give money in the form of taxes to build a bus stop that the vast majority of Americans will never use? Its not right. We should not have to depend on the money of others and the political clout of Mr. Dingell to build a bus stop. Mr. Dingell and most career (lifetime) politicians want us to be dependant on them for everything from a bus stop to our health care. Many of my fellow citizens want to be subservient to the nanny state because its easier to ask big brother for money than it is to raise it locally and oversee the results. Every time we ask the Federal Government to do something that we should do for ourselves we surrender a little more of our liberty. Where can I buy a map to Galts Gultch?
Porsenna
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 9:27 p.m.
We keep him in office for 55 years and we only get a million dollars? Rep. Dingell probably thinks that 's a lot of money because it was-- back during the Eisenhower Administration when his opinions were being formed. I wonder how much taxpayer money had to be paid in before there was million to take out? Would anyone care to guess the multiplier?
AlphaAlpha
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 9:15 p.m.
Only in the bizzaro political universe of [academia] with a local and state economy in the dumpster is it possible to [believe] a project will put people to work and that [it] will mean profits for local construction contractors, regardless of the outrageous cost of $667 per square foot.
mike from saline
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 8:48 p.m.
@antikvetch Well said!! Short, sweet, and to the point.
Ray D. Aider
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:14 p.m.
I couldn't promise that the bizzaro world of the rest of the 15th district would share your joy....but congratulations Ann Arbor. Remind me to plant a tree out here in the country.
Michael O
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 1:57 p.m.
Good for AATA! I use it 3-4 times a week,and love it.No parking hassles,traffic to worry about.I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.A suggestion?...study D.C.'s or Chicago's main hubs.Also,a few heated shelters in the winter would persuade me to use AATA more during that season...
antikvetch
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 1:49 p.m.
In the non-bizzaro political universe, questioning political leadership is what good citizen/voters do....
Seasoned Cit
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 1:38 p.m.
$1M from Feds who don't have it....so our buses have a transfer point to move passengers who are unable to get across the Stadium Bridges. What Dingle will do to be reelected is amazing. And all local brass line up to praise him. Somthing is broke and we all know, but keep taking the Handouts that are our own $ with interest added that we'll bill our grandkids for..
BobbyJohn
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 1:33 p.m.
@Ghost First of all, I am not a tea partyist, I am someone in the building industry, an environmentalist and a citizen who wants dollars spent wisely. The per SF price tag is ridiculous. Also, a govt. standard of tearing down buildings in good shape at 23 years old is troubling. I am sure there are some valid reasons, but I still have a problem w/ this wasteful attitude. Anyways, if it does need to be done, it should be accomplished more economically.
BobbyJohn
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 1:03 p.m.
One would expect expect the building to run about $200-$275/square foot. $667 sf. is absolutely outrageous Especially in these times when builders are a dime a dozen and cutting their costs to the bone. On top of it, how often are municipal buildings coming in at projected costs? Spend our money wisely, please
UgottaBkidding
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 12:24 p.m.
Dingell should be providing that money for the Stadium Bridge overpass instead.
CobraII
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 12:02 p.m.
How about fixing the Stadium bridge? Oh that's right no cars in Ann Arbor!
Carl
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 11:36 a.m.
Here is the complete list of the State of Good Repair grants from the FTA website. http://www.fta.dot.gov/news/news_events_12067.html Looks like Michigan will receive 6 grants.
UgottaBkidding
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 10:50 a.m.
I am not seeing anything needing to be fixed, not to mention being worth $1M to renovate. This is a ridiculously politically motivated boondoggle.
jns131
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
Ypsilanti could use a better transit center over Ann Arbor. I see a lot of people early in the morning with really no shelter and no place to sit while waiting for a bus. While in Ann Arbor they have a shelter and a place for you to sit while waiting. I guess AATA goofed again on priorities. We sit out in the cold wet rain while waiting for a bus and the ones downtown Ann Arbor can stay nice and dry. I guess I now know how I am voting in November.
MGoYpsi
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 8:36 a.m.
Wow, look at the calendar, it's almost November 2. What timing....
Tony
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 7:49 a.m.
Greg states: What, money going down to the community, regular folk!! This is a simplistic view that ignores most of the equation. First the money is taken from the community, regular folk. Next part of that money is used to pay the bureaucrats we need for taking the money then deciding which favored groups get what's left. So the community gets less back. Unless of course you have a congressman that takes money from other communities and gives some to you. You might think that is free money, unless you considered that the precedent was set by your congressman to take money from others, and you realize that those other communities have congressman that are using that precedent to steal your money to buy votes in your district. This policy hurts the community, the regular folks, and the poor.
Killroy
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 7:39 a.m.
I hope it the new center offers free WIFI.
Huron74
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 7:32 a.m.
Dingell's own party stripped him of his committee chairmanship in '07 and which was the main reason for retaining him all these years. It's time for Big John to retire.
antikvetch
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 7:17 a.m.
Looks like Rep. Dingell sure got the crowd in the picture all fired up.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 7:11 a.m.
"$667 per square foot." WOW!
BuzzwordHit
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 6:58 a.m.
Reasons to oust Dingel: Repeal OBAMACARE - especially if you're a senior citizen: The Boston Globe (September 29, 2010) reports: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care has notified customers that it will drop its Medicare Advantage health insurance program at the end of the year, forcing 22,000 senior citizens in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine to seek alternative supplemental coverage.... Not to mention the fact that more and more Employers are FLEEING from OBAMACARE: The Hill(October 11, 2010) reports: The Obama administration is grappling with implementing the unpopular healthcare reform law in the weeks leading up to the midterm election. Some regulations establishing the rules of the various pieces of the health overhaul passed by Congress have been issued, and others will be released in the years to come. But the threat of employers dropping their coverage because of the new law has emerged as a thorny political problem this fall....
A2_Jim
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 6:44 a.m.
Dingell votes to raid the Soc. Sec. trust fund so that a surplus can be looted to fund pet projects in the general fund then votes to create two panels (with appointed not elected heads) that will ration health care and determine what medical procedures and protocols your doctor may or may-not offer you (these were in the economic stimulus bill NOT in the "Obama-care" bill) and then votes for socialized heath care so that you will only be allowed to keep whatever health plan the government deems appropriate and that you can afford. So occasionally he throws "his people" a million dollar bone to distract them from his real record & agenda - thanks little John.
GoblueBeatOSU
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 4:51 a.m.
So AA calls itself a "Green" town. Is replacing a 20 year old building "Green"? When AA builds a building shouldn't it build something that is going to last longer than 20 years? Correction 23 years old. Wait this must be AA's way to avoid the Historical Commission. AA's plan is to replace government buildings every 20 years.
Ray D. Aider
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:57 a.m.
Pure Politics.....so go take the bus and vote Dingell to demonstrate some kind of poignant symbolic thankfulness even if you have a car. Woo Hoo! I wouldn't vote for him for anything in the world...I wouldn't vote for him if he offered me 1 million dollars personally....and I mean that.
CobraII
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:44 a.m.
Boy A2 votes are expensive!!
racerx
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:42 a.m.
Boy, say what you want about Dingell, he brings home the bacon doesn't he?!? Hieftje, how many UM students were included in your synapse that A2 is rated highest rated community in the US that walks, bike or use public transportation? I can think of other communites that could possibly top ours; NY city.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 2:23 a.m.
@Susan Montgomery thanks for the catch. Fixed.
Greg
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 12:58 a.m.
it's funny how Congressman Dingell getting 1 million dollars for a project in Ann Arbor could be looked at as anything but positive! But that's how the conservatives want it to be viewed as a negative. What, money going down to the community, regular folk!! Outrageous!! Keep fighting Congressman Dingell, the middle class appreciate your relentless fight for working Americans!
Tony
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 11:24 p.m.
Nothing like buying votes with other peoples money! Stop stealing from other people to make yourself happy and bring our troops home!
Gyll Stanford
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 10:40 p.m.
You're being fooled by the magician. This fluff to buy your vote obscures a couple of ideas that should be questioned in detail. Do we really need this, in this location and is that building obsolete? Is it worn out? Do we need to spend $2-$3 million for a couple of meeting rooms in an expensive part of town. Don't they have a meeting room on South Industrial? Have all the meeting rooms in the local hotels been booked? Because one of our Senators or Representatives can funnel cash in that direction is not a sound reason to make the replacement. All the money spent around here on resurfacing roads that were not in that bad of shape could have rebuilt the stadium bridges. We need to set priorities. Those bridges are higher on the list than some meeting rooms above a lobby.
johnnya2
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 10:39 p.m.
" I would recommend to Congressman Dingell that he should be working on finding real jobs in the private sector." Ok explain to me what determines a "real" job versus a non-real job. Do government employees not count as a real job? Glad you think the military people (who are government employees) are not real jobs.
Speechless
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 10:23 p.m.
This is an excellent development for the AATA and its growing ridership. Since no form of transportation can exist without costly subsidies, it's good to see some public transportation money going toward the future of the local bus system rather than being used entirely to subsidize personal auto travel. A number of people helped make this $1 million grant possible, and Rep. Dinglell was among those who played a key role. Fans of tea candidate Rob Steele shouldn't attack the AATA's good fortune in funding an upgrade to the current Blake Center on account of the congressman's involvement.
gamebuster
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 10:15 p.m.
We're using future, future, future.. borrowed, credited money. I'd feel ashamed of using money like that. Right, where is fiscal integrity?
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:56 p.m.
Ah, some well-timed pork for the upcoming election. I guess the Dems are starting to worry about this race after all. Honestly, though, if Dingell's seat is in doubt, the Dems will lose 100 in November, and I think 60 is more worst-case scenario.
ChrisW
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:54 p.m.
We should have elections every six months.
STAN
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:48 p.m.
Dr. Rob Steele will deliver meaningful jobs to Ann Arbor when he replaces Dingell Nov 2nd and not spend money to try and secure votes on wasteful meaningless spending. Dr Rob Steele for congress has Dingell running scared in this election and this attempt to bribe AA is sad. Dingell has been in Washington since he was seven and did not "live" in Michigan nor did he attend schools here... what a fraud... he is a major reason why the US and Michigan is in debt up to its grandchildren's ears. Fix the bridges!
Andrew Linko
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:45 p.m.
Congressman Dingell is like the United States Post Office, delivering 6 days a week, one day for worship! Look at his record he delivered during his entire tenure! Dr. Steele is in favor of cutting these grants and appropriations. If the 'free market' would avail some capital for U.S. investment instead of Chinese or Indian, we would not need as much tax dollar investment.
a2chrisp
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:44 p.m.
@caretocomment, you are going to have a hard time voting for anyone then. Sponsoring stupid resolutions is a part of politics. More importantly, Dingell is one of the most important representatives in the house, and it will always behoove Michigan to keep him in office. As for this project, I find it hard to be opposed to things that are going to make the city much nicer to live in, especially for people that are putting fewer cars into downtown parking spots. But even if it didn't it seems like a much needed project. Its time for people to stop being selfish and realize that just because something doesn't directly benefit you doesn't mean its not worth spending money on.
ShadowManager
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:39 p.m.
Great, just great. More construction downtown.
care2comment
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:33 p.m.
Sorry, but I don't get excited about this grant ( which afterall comes from American taxpayers.. (who are overtaxed and unemployed) I would recommend to Congressman Dingell that he should be working on finding real jobs in the private sector... rather than wasting our money on feel-good do-nothing pipe dream projects such as this.
shepard145
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:28 p.m.
Tip ONeill brought home $14 billion to burry the freeway running through Boston. We get what amounts to embarrassing pocket change from a senator who is barely tolerated by his own party. True mass transit (subway type light rail on its own tracks) is a regional amenity that attracts between $7 and $9 for every dollar invested (in a viable economy). Like the irritating Carl Levin, Dingle has offered only hollow gestures and for decades their silence on the topic of mass transit supported by Michigan voters is deafening. As elderly gentlemen whos best days are long behind them, I suspect they still live in the days when the auto industry planned Michigans future and if a public investment is not going to sell more cars, were not going to do it. That strategy has been a disaster for this state and needs to be drug out into the light of day and openly debated with the auto industry at the table. We need a $5 billion check from the fed and a Michigan Senate who can fix our constitution and make mass transit possible!
libertyordeath
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:15 p.m.
I will not be voting for Dingell, or any politician for that matter,that sponsors useless resolutions (he sponsored a resolution- H.Res 1425-regarding Galarraga's near perfect game).
Monica
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:14 p.m.
Thanks John Dingell. Always on the job for your constituents in Southeastern Michigan.
Susan Montgomery
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:50 p.m.
Correction needed on the last paragraph: "The project schedule calls for starting construction next spring with completion targeted for summer 2010. Throughout construction, the current transit center will remain in operation." Summer 2012, maybe?
johnnya2
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:18 p.m.
"Why not? We subsidize EVERY rider on EVERY bus with local and federal funds" Guess who else we subsidize with every mile they drive. Those who choose to take their own car. People park on streets paid for my taxes, they drive on roads paid by taxes, they use stop signs and stop lights, paid by taxes, they pump gas from a pump that is inspected by weights and measures employees paid for with, wait for it, TAXES. Unless you want every road to be private, and police, fire, national defense, ambulance service, and EVERYTHING else, you are not a fiscal conservative, you are just saying the decision on what to spend money on is something you do not agree with. I could cut the federal budget by 25% tomorrow. End all military funding. Take the Second amendment for what it really says, and the people can defend themselves, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed". Every single person becomes a member of the military instead of people doing it for MONEY. It always amazes me how people forget that the military has the largest number of FEDERAL employees, and a budget that has grown 9% (far outpacing inflation) since 2000, AND has socialized medicine. When the tea baggers take a consistent position on the deficit and national debt I will gladly listen to them. Until then, republicans support the most socialist institution in the United States, the military.
go50blue
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:17 p.m.
Wow.. I havent lived in MI since 1980 but its great to know my tax dollars are still ending up in MI, since the politicians know SO MUCH BETTER how to spend my money!!
AlphaAlpha
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:15 p.m.
Here is an amazing statistic: If the 6,000 square foot building costs $4 million as stated above, the construction cost will total an astounding: $667 per square foot. What a deal! No inefficiencies there...
javajolt1
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 7:52 p.m.
So an earmark is just fine when it comes back here, but when it goes elsewhere it's government waste. An earmark is an earmark. And right now were in the process of spending $760 billion on earmarks we cannot afford! Dingell couldn't run fast enough to take credit for it....yet he was still beaten by Levin and Stabenow who beat him to the punch. The only good news here is some of our tax money is actually being used in Ann Arbor. But where are the priorities? How about something that needs real attention: The stadium bridge is about to fall down and we can't get a dime for that!
Jimbo
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 7:26 p.m.
I like how these guys like to take credit for spending other peoples money! John Dingell is the worst and bureaucrats like him are the problem!
treetowncartel
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 7:17 p.m.
Why wouldn't they just build a new transit center on top of the parking structure/library lot? That way there is no remodeling and the space can be utilized to its fullest potential. Then, you will have the space across the street to have fun with. You could even dig another hole.
The Watchman
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 7:01 p.m.
Why not? We subsidize EVERY rider on EVERY bus with local and federal funds. Why not continue with the transit center? We would be better off buying 12 seat vans to shuttle people around during the off peak hours. The vans would be easier to park in the underground parking structure and we could get rid of the Blake Transit Center.
tdw
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 6:50 p.m.
@David You are correct I would never do something like this.
LiberalNIMBY
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 6:49 p.m.
I just can't wait to see if this "landmark building" is as bee-yoo-ti-ful as the new police-courts building! Please save us another round of dashed expectations and admit to everyone now that you're putting up a corrugated metal box. This neighborhood will remain the dead zone that you'd expect unless AATA uses their noggins and creates more than just a fancier one- to two-story bus station. How about some spaces for private businesses?
Mozzie
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 6:42 p.m.
Timing is everything Maallen you are quite right. This was already announced on Oct 4th by 2 other political officials. Dingell is only trying to get everyone to believe he is actually doing his job right before the election. He also put his name and took credit for another grant issued for road work in Taylor. In that one the the City applied for the grant but Dingell said that he got it for them. When is he going to actually do some work....I have voted for Dingell every election However this time I have done my homework and see that Dingell has done very little in writting his own material--legislation--grants for the citizens he is supposed to represent this last term. He is counting on his record to stay elected.... He is out of touch and scrambling Please everyone do your homework and look at the items he has brought to the state for the last 4 years
David Briegel
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 6:37 p.m.
maalen, so you are attacking A2.com for not being a current events news organization? And, do Senators outrank mere congressmen?? And, do you think this is a good idea? Or not? Geez, do you think we will ever get any federal funds to improve our way of life if we continue to elect phony, bridge to nowhere, fiscal conservatives?? You know, Republican Pork is great!!
David
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 6:21 p.m.
What is better for the local economy? $1 million being taken out then spent as these central planners see fit, or having never taken that $1 million out of the community in the first place? Government is no robin hood.
maallen
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 5:44 p.m.
Kind of interesting how this was already announced last week on October 4th by the Federal Transit Administrator in the Detroit News. And then Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow both mentioned it on October 4th. Once again, Dingell's slick public relation's machine is at it again. This isn't new news. It has already been reported. Dingell is just regurgitating the news.
Mick52
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 5:39 p.m.
Can't wait to see the new transit center. Have yet to see an exciting one. How's the progress on that bridge repair coming Mr. Dingell. Please retire and we will name the bridge for you since it will be exciting too no doubt.
David Briegel
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 5:10 p.m.
tdw, You mean to say that the good Dr would ask for an earmark? The Mad Hatters would not approve. And, if he did, you mean the great, noble patriot from Ohio with the perpetual tan, speaker wannabe would approve? I thought you "fiscal conservatives" would never, ever do anything like this!! Do YOU have any FACTS to the contrary???
DonBee
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.
I wonder on the timing? Any chance this is politically motivated? If I were to ask for Federal Money, should the Stadium Bridges have priority? I am glad the money is coming to town, but I had to wonder.
tdw
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 4:36 p.m.
@ David on what basis do you make that statement? Any facts?
David Briegel
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.
A junior rep Rob Steele would not have gotten this grant!
Vivienne Armentrout
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.
This is great news. With all the changes taking place in this small region of town (the Library Lot, possible alterations to the main library, uncertain fate of the old Y lot), I hope that AATA's planning includes some meaningful public input about the configuration of all parts of the area. It would be great to convert it from a near-dead zone to a lively public area.