The East Lansing City Council will meet tonight to discuss Capital Area Rail Council merging with the Capital Area Transportation Authority.

The Rail Council is a group of representatives from the Greater Lansing area who oversee the Amtrak station in East Lansing. They handle operational issues and hold a lease with MSU. The council may pass a resolution tonight supporting the merger.

CATA will be responsible for operating and maintaining the rail passenger facilities in Lansing. They will also be responsible for coordinating local government activities and encouraging use of the facilities.

While CATA will have most of the responsibilities in the Greater Lansing area, CARC will act as an adviser to the CATA Board of Directors.

“CATA is a regional transportation provider, and any time we can coordinate services it is better for our customers,” said Debbie Alexander, CATA’s strategic management director.

East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton will also introduce a resolution to recognize the Union’s 75th anniversary at the meeting.

The city council will meet at 7 p.m. in Conference Room A at City Hall.