Statement from state Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) on his amendment to create a MiTRAIN Fund in the General Government omnibus budget:

LANSING — Yesterday, state Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) proposed an amendment to the FY 2018-19 General Government budget to create $13 million MiTRAIN Fund to fix rail grade crossing issues in the state, especially those facing Downriver communities. His amendment was not adopted. In response, Rep. Camilleri issued the following statement:

                “One of the biggest issues facing Downriver communities is that of trains blocking traffic for hours at a time, interrupting people’s days and endangering entire communities by threatening public safety. Trains recently blocked traffic from getting in and out of the Trenton Engine Plant for three hours — that is absolutely absurd. My amendment would have created a fund to support much-needed grade separations at crossings throughout the state, especially throughout Downriver. Although the House majority may have sided against us yesterday, I will continue advocating for this fund to ensure that families in my district and people throughout the state have the safety and economic security they need to be successful.”

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