Detroit Regional Chamber Applauds the Big Four and Governor Granholm for Their Leadership in Development of the Proposed Interlocal and Intergovernmental Agreement to Create the Detroit Area Regional Transportation Authority

DETROIT, May 22, 2003 -- Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Richard E. Blouse Jr., CCE, attended a meeting of the Regional Transit Coordinating Council (RTCC) today and stood with local and state leaders in support of improved public transit in Southeast Michigan.

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At the meeting, the RTCC -- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano, Detroit Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick and Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Nancy M. White -- signed the proposed Interlocal and Intergovernmental Agreement to create DARTA.

"They should all be commended for agreeing to and signing this historic agreement," said Blouse. "Through the leadership of Governor Granholm and the Big Four, we've been able to craft an agreement that closely mirrors the state legislation that would have created DARTA, but through other state authorized channels."

Interlocal and Intergovernmental Agreements are authorized by the Urban Cooperation Act and the Michigan Constitution. This agreement requires the approval of the Big Four (acting in their capacity as members of the Regional Transit Coordinating Council), the board of directors of SMART and the Detroit City Council.

"This agreement shows how important it is to cooperate in order to make the difficult decisions necessary for the region," said Ficano. "Transportation is a vital part in creating a first-class region."

"DARTA will be able to accomplish greater efficiencies and better coordination of public transit services throughout the region. For the first time, Southeast Michigan will have a comprehensive regional public transit service plan," said Blouse.

The Detroit Regional Chamber has long been an advocate of improved public transit and transportation infrastructure in the region. The basis of the agreement comes from legislation that was supported by the Chamber and vetoed by Gov. John Engler during the 2002-03 legislative session.

DARTA continues to be prohibited from levying any taxes.

For more information, contact Sarah Hubbard at (517) 372-2238 or e-mail: shubbard@detroitchamber.com .

With nearly 20,000 members, the Detroit Regional Chamber is the leading business organization in the digital drive and the largest chamber of commerce in the country. The Chamber's mission -- to power the economy for Southeast Michigan -- is carried out through business attraction efforts, public policy advocacy, strategic partnerships and quality products and services for members. This year the Chamber celebrates 100 years of service to the business community.

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