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Revised Light-Rail Plan Under Consideration

DETROIT (WWJ) - Following a meeting Friday afternoon in Detroit, Mayor Dave Bing and Governor Rick Snyder now say they're supporting a new plan for a light-rail line on Woodward Avenue.

WWJ's Stephanie Davis reports supporters of the plan now have 90 days to put together a proposal that shows they've planned for construction and operating costs.

"It was an opportunity to talk about how we need a regional transportation authority that includes a rapid bus system and as a part of that, one can be an important sub-component," added Snyder.

Mayor Bing says the plan is important to the city's future.

"And I think all of us are on the same page, understanding how important transportation is going to be, in Detroit - southeastern Michigan and the state of Michigan," said Bing.

"Based on conversations that we have had today, and the agreements we have had, we see light-rail as a part of regional transportation so light-rail is not dead - it is back on the table," said Bing.

Friday's announcement comes just a month after the project appeared to be scrapped.

Roger Penske is part of the M1 Group who came up with the plan and funding for the light rail: "This was a chance for us to put back on the table the M1 plan giving us the chance for 90 days - with the staff from Washington to validate our costs; operating costs, the capital costs in a project like this."

The new light-rail plan calls for a three-mile line - rather than the originally planned eight-mile line.

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