Jan. 28, 2024 8a
(WGTD)---The federally-financed planning process for possibly extending commuter rail from Kenosha to Milwaukee is expected to advance a step Monday night.
A Racine City Council committee will review two contracts with multi-national companies.
One company is expected to study the practicality of relying on a new method of financing. A concept called Transit-Oriented Development Capture involves relying on money generated by increases in the property tax base. New commercial and residential development historically springs up around train stations. A company called AECOM is expected to receive a $320,000 contract to gauge just what could be expected if the project becomes a reality.
A second contract—worth up to $2 million—is expected to fund a study of all other aspects of the project with an eye toward preparing an application for additional federal funding. HDR Engineering is in line to be assigned to come up with cost estimates and station locations. An eleven-page outline of tasks includes having the company take a serious look at possible alternatives to commuter rail.
This isn’t the first time that commuter rail between Kenosha and Milwaukee has been looked at. In 2011, a regional transportation authority was formed then later killed by the state legislature.
Back then, commuter rail was to have been funded in part by an added tax on vehicle rentals. Relying on commercial and residential development around train stations would be a new way to fill the gap between subsidies and revenue generated from fares.
Both contracts are being financed by a $5 million planning grant that was approved two years ago by congress.
Much of the preliminary work is expected to be done before the end of the year. That would enable state and local officials to file a timely application for additional federal funds.
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