On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, State officials announced a tentative agreement with Norfolk Southern for the purchase of 135 miles of railroad track between Kalamazoo and Dearborn. This acquisition is a pivotal part of the plan to eventually have passenger trains running at maximum speeds of 110 mph between Dearborn and Chicago. The Michigan Lieutenant Governor has signed a bill appropriating $150 million in federal money and matching funds of $18.8 million each from the State and Norfolk Southern. The next step in the process - overhaul and upgrade of the track - is a project to be funded by a $196 million federal grant.

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