We don’t know specifics yet, but multiple sources say there is finally a deal to put regional mass transit before the voters of Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland and Macomb counties.
The mayor of the city of Detroit, sources close to the RTA as well as a major Detroit paper are saying that there has been a deal reached to get a proposal for funding the Regional Transit Authority through a millage on the November ballot after a meeting at the historic Detroit Athletic Club.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has released a statement confirming that a deal has been reached:
We appreciate our partners agreeing to come together and move our region forward. This regional transit plan will bring not only independence and opportunity for people all over southeast Michigan, but it will allow us to compete with metropolitan areas across the country for development and investment. This agreement also signifies that our region is starting to move beyond a half century of infighting that has served only to divide us and hold southeast Michigan back.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said to the Free Press that:
“I do believe we have something that’s going to be satisfactory to all parties,” Hackel said. “I do believe we have come up with a legitimate document for voters to decide on.”
No one we’ve talked to is commenting on specifics until there’s something in writing. The vote to officially implement any compromise or deal would occur at a specially called meeting of the RTA board this Thursday, August 4. The deadline to get language approved by the board of canvassers is August 16.
We’ll update with more details and specifics as we get them.
Previously: The 27th Attempt At Regional Transit Might Not Be Completely Dead, But It’s On Life Support
