The cities of Bangor and Dowagiac are among the municipalities to have reached a settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office over violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act at their rail stations. The U.S. Attorney’s office says under the agreements, the intercity rail stations in Bangor, Dowagiac, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Albion will be made accessible to those with disabilities. Over the next three years, each will modify portions of their rail stations and access points, including parking lots, waiting areas, restrooms, and platforms. Dowagiac City Manager Kevin Anderson tells us they were required to do basic maintenance at the station that included adding one more handicapped parking space, adjustments to the restroom faucets, the removal of a barrier in the restroom, and adding some signage. He says it’s all minimal work and the city is glad to make the station more accessible. The agreement goes back about a year and Anderson says the city only has minor work left to do.
