(The following story by Alex Nixon appeared on the Kalamazoo Gazette website on August 28.)
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A proposed railroad deal has political leaders across southern Michigan raising the alarm about the future of Amtrak passenger train service.
But an executive with the Kansas-based shortline operator that would take control of the rail lines between Kalamazoo and Ypsilanti pledged Tuesday to do whatever it takes to preserve passenger service in Michigan.
“We’re not going to have Amtrak be at risk out there. Amtrak is too important of a customer,” said Ed McKechnie, chief commercial officer with Watco Cos. Inc. of Pittsburg, Kan. “And we’re willing to back that up with a contract.”
Watco and railroad owner Norfolk Southern Corp. struck a deal in July in which Watco would contribute $18 million in cash and equipment for a 67 percent stake in 299 miles of Norfolk Southern track in Michigan and northern Indiana. The joint venture, Michigan Central Railway LLC, would be headquartered in Kalamazoo and employ 118 workers.
The proposal awaits federal approval — the Surface Transportation Board will take public comments until Sept. 4 and will make a decision Oct. 11.
At issue for local politicians are the Amtrak trains that carry passengers between Detroit and Chicago, stopping along the way in Ann Arbor, Jackson, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.
Officials say shortline rail operators don’t invest as much money in track maintenance, which reduces train speeds. If trains can’t go at least 79 mph, Amtrak service isn’t viable, officials have said.
“There has to be a firm understanding, and that has to equate to a legal mandate, that that stretch of track has to be maintained at Amtrak standards,” said former U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz, R-Battle Creek.
Battle Creek Mayor John Godfrey has organized a meeting of officials Wednesday from communities along the line, company leaders and others.
“There is no shortline railway in the United States that has the history of maintaining the track to Amtrak standards,” Godfrey said. “If it’s not maintained to 79 mph then we lose Amtrak.”
Watco and Norfolk Southern officials will be in Battle Creek on Wednesday for the meeting, McKechnie said. They hope to reduce fears that Michigan Central will hurt Amtrak service.
“There’s a perception out there that Amtrak service is at risk,” McKechnie said. “The status quo is the only thing that threatens Amtrak service.”