Commission approves MDOT–Amtrak right-of-way agreement for Barton Vandermir tunnel

Hillary presented a legal agreement between the Michigan Department of Transportation and Amtrak that governs long-term occupancy of railroad right-of-way for the Barton Vandermir tunnel project. She described the document as a statutory requirement and said the agreement reflects extensive negotiation with railroad partners and legal review.

Hillary said the item is largely legal in nature and that city attorneys and railroad counsel had been involved in lengthy negotiations; because many of the terms are the result of those negotiations, she presented the agreement to the commission as part of the project’s required approvals. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote.

Staff said the agreement is a necessary step in the project permitting and legal compliance pathway and will proceed to the appropriate contracting or council review steps as required.