Deals between Amtrak and the state Department of Transportation have taken another detour, possibly stalling negotiations, officials announced Monday.

The Michigan Department of Transportation offered the financially-strapped railway service a six-month contract to retain passenger rail service in the state, department spokeswoman Stephanie Litaker said.

Amtrak officials last met with department representatives and Gov. Jennifer Granholm's office March 13 to resolve its budget crisis before the railway's contract with the state expires on March 31.

Amtrak officials originally threatened to shut down the Toronto-Chicago international route line, which includes stops in East Lansing, as well as the Chicago-Grand Rapids line, if a resolution to increase annual funds was not reached by that date.

Mark Hicks