May 14, 2023 4:30p
(WGTD)---The City of Racine is expected to become the lead agency in exploring the feasibility once again of extending passenger rail service from Kenosha to Milwaukee.
The city council is expected to approve an agreement Tuesday night with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. That group is expected to provide support services.
The Commission authored an original study 25 years ago that led to the short-lived Regional Transit Authority that eventually was allowed to die in 2011 by the Republican-controlled legislature.
Racine Mayor Cory Mason said the new approach more than likely won’t rely on funding by a R-T-A and instead will explore partnerships in the for-profit sector. Such models for funding commuter rail exist in other parts of the country, he said.
As for the need for such service: "We think it's greater now than what it was 10 years ago," Mason said.
The new study is being funded by a $5 million Congressional appropriation.
Up to 60% of the construction costs of installing a second track between Kenosha and Milwaukee and making other infrastructure improvements could be borne by the federal government if the region’s application is successful.
Mason hopes to submit the paperwork before the end of the year.
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