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Wisconsin
Milwaukee Region Gets on a Regional Transit Track
''Regional transit doesn’t just improve the way we move people and goods – it improves the overall economy in southeast Wisconsin,'' said Democratic Governor Jim Doyle said at a joint press event with key state lawmakers and business executives from Milwaukee Racine and Kenosha counties, unveiling the Regional Transit and Jobs Investment Act.
Instrumental in behind-the-scenes negotiations on the act’s details, Democratic Senator John Lehman echoed the governor. ''There has been an unprecedented coalition of business leaders, community leaders and citizens saying improved transit and the job creation it will bring are critical for our communities,'' he pointed out. ''This bill clears a pathway – if we choose – to move forward.''
Building on a regional transit framework set forth by Governor Doyle last September, the bill creates a three-county Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SERTA) to build and manage the proposed 30-mile KRM commuter rail line – between the cities of Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee – and to apply for matching construction funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under its New Starts Grant Program. It also authorizes formation of an Interim Regional Transit Authority (IRTA) in Milwaukee County, with a focus on bus system and connectivity improvements, and allows local governments in the surrounding counties of Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee to vote on creation of their own IRTAs.
A Milwaukee IRTA would be funded mostly from a one-cent multipurpose sales tax increase approved by its voters in an advisory 2008 referendum. The others could use local vehicle registration fees and hotel or property taxes. Each IRTA would be expected to eventually join the SERTA, providing the region’s population with integrated, interconnected bus and rail services.
''We now have a good, solid plan for a Southeastern Regional Transit Authority,'' concluded Governor Doyle. ''We have the support of local communities, the support of legislators and the support of the state’s business leaders. Now, let’s get to work and get it done.'' 1/19/2010
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