In case you haven’t heard, there are two different Ann Arbor Commuter Rail proposals in the works.  Both the WALLY (Washtenaw Livingston Line) and the Ann Arbor-Detroit Line are slated to begin in the fall of 2010.

The AATA is helping to coordinate the WALLY project and has been leading meetings of interested folks for a while.  The last meeting was held on June 22nd.

While it looks like the rail cars and other details are going smoothly, there is still the issue of funding for the WALLY.  MDOT did not receive Stimulus funds for the project, and is now trying for something called TIGER funds (info on TIGER funds in the comment section).

If you want to read more about WALLY and view the presentation from June 22nd click here.

For those of you who commute to work by foot or bike on Washington Street, things are about to get a little safer.  The City has decided to put a pedestrian refuge island at Seventh and Washington, which will make it easier to cross this sometimes busy street.  The work should be completed by September 2009.

I know that several citizens have spoken out about this so I want to make sure everyone knows that you can have an impact on this community by voicing your concerns to your City Council rep.

For more information on this pedestrian island, click here.