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Snyder Says Rail Service 'Vital' To Mich.'s Future

LANSING (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder says improving passenger and freight rail service is "vital to Michigan's future."

Addressing the Michigan Rail Summit at the Lansing Center, the governor said Monday he wants to see more commuter rail opportunities in Michigan to relieve congestion and keep young adults in the state.

He says adding a passenger rail link to Detroit Metropolitan Airport is a priority.

Snyder also says improving passenger and freight rail service "paves the way" for growth in agriculture and manufacturing, enhances property values and stimulates local economies.

He says Michigan is well-positioned to become a major transportation hub linking the economies of Montreal and Toronto in Canada to Detroit, Chicago and St. Louis.

Nearly 800,000 passengers rode Amtrak trains in Michigan during the last fiscal year, a record.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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