TRU Calls for Rejection of I-75 Expansion Project

Transportation Riders United (TRU) announces that they have filed extensive comments on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed I-75 expansion from 8 Mile Road to M-59. Based on its evaluation of the FEIS, TRU has concluded that the FEIS is inadequate and incomplete and calls for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to reject the project.

(PRWEB) August 12, 2005 -- Transportation Riders United (TRU) announces that they have filed extensive comments on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed I-75 expansion from 8 Mile Road to M-59. Based on its evaluation of the FEIS, TRU has concluded that the FEIS is inadequate and incomplete and calls for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to reject the project. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) told the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to fully and objectively evaluate the preferable alternative of promoting quality transit options in the I-75 corridor. MDOT failed.

MDOT has been missing the big picture for years. MDOTs consistent refusal to ask the broader policy questions prior to moving forward with an environmental impact statement compels that we raise policy questions within the context of the EIS. The EIS process is the opportunity to get on the public record regarding the adverse effects of the project," said Karen Kendrick-Hands, cofounder and board member of TRU.

MDOT and our governmental leaders must acknowledge that our region needs a truly balanced approach to our transportation system. There is broad public support for real improvements to create a high quality transit system. We must focus on building quality transit today with the same commitment to success that our region has historically put forth in support of road projects," stated Bob Prudhomme, president of Transportation Riders United.

For the past 50 years, Metro Detroits transportation policy has been to build roads and starve transit, effectively subsidizing sprawl while devastating many existing communities. Due to the lack of balanced infrastructure investment, the region now faces a huge bill for infrastructure repair. Expanding I-75 will just make matters worse," said Larry Hands, chair of TRUs 2030 Regional Community Development Vision Committee.

TRU believes that Greater Detroit's economic future is tied to the ability of regional & state governmental leaders to show progressive leadership on the relationship between transportation spending and sprawl. Every year, thousands of Metro Detroiters vote with their feet concerning the region's poor quality of life by moving out of state. The few pedestrian oriented neighborhoods near vibrant downtown districts are highly desired, resulting in sky-rocketing assessed value. Our regional governmental leaders and MDOT need to take advantage of this market trend when assessing where to allocate transportation dollars.

MDOT cannot deny that many of our late 20th century transportation policies have hurt our existing communities and have cost taxpayers dearly. Transportation policy is an integral component of regional competitiveness. Many competing regions have been much more effective in improving transportation access and mobility at reduced cost. This includes regions such as Chicago, Boston, Dallas and Denver. The I-75 Expansion project has been proposed within the context of a 20th century mindset, and the FEIS which justifies the project, is faulty and deficient. TRU demands that Metropolitan Detroits leaders implement the 21st century solution to the I-75 corridor transportation issues.

Visit http://www.detroittransit.org/i75feiscomments.pdf to view TRUs formal comments on the proposed I-75 expansion FEIS. The document provides detailed commentary on the faulty and deficient analysis utilized in the FEIS with major deficiencies outlined below:

* The need for the project

* Alternatives analysis

* Air quality

* Environmental justice

* Safety

* Economic effect

* Construction mitigation

For information about TRUs work, call Larry Hands at Transportation Riders United at (313)963-8872 or at (313)600-1668.

Transportation Riders United is a non-profit 501(c)(3) member organization with a mission to improve transportation access and mobility in Greater Detroit. TRU was founded six years ago by a 14-year-old student who felt that Greater Detroit deserved better transit mobility. TRU is located at 500 Griswold, Suite 1650, Detroit, MI 48226. Our webpage is www.detroittransit.org and email is trumember@detroittransit.org.

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