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Kenosha transit commission backs creation of Milwaukee-area passenger rail commission
Summary
The Kenosha Special Transit Commission voted to approve a mayor-sponsored resolution supporting formation of a Milwaukee-area passenger rail commission to continue exploratory work; the vote does not commit city funds and would make the region eligible for federal funding.
On Monday, Oct. 8 (date provided in the meeting record), the Kenosha Special Transit Commission voted to approve a resolution from the mayor supporting formation of a Milwaukee-area passenger rail commission to study a potential passenger rail connection between Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee.
The mayor told commissioners the effort is an exploratory step and “the city is not committing any dollars at this point.” The resolution, the mayor said, is intended to create a formal commission so the region can apply for federal programs and continue study of service routing, costs and funding options. “I have no idea what it’s gonna cost. I have no idea where it’s gonna go,” the mayor said. “But we’re foolish not to explore the potential that could be there.”
The mayor said the exploratory work to date was funded by a $5,000,000 congressional earmark secured with help from U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s office, with Racine listed as the recipient of that grant to form a task force including the three mayors. The resolution would have each participating city appoint three representatives to the commission and explicitly does not obligate Kenosha to contribute funds now.
A resident, Raymond Cameron of 5313 Twentieth Avenue, testified in support of the resolution, saying the city had lost revenue when a prior regional plan did not move forward and urging commissioners to approve the measure. Transit administration staff told the commission they “fully support the expansion of public transportation” and that exploring a Milwaukee connection makes sense for Kenosha riders. Several commissioners voiced support, and asked clarifying questions about appointments and which municipalities might be involved if a route extended beyond Kenosha and Racine to communities such as Oak Creek and South Milwaukee.
After brief discussion, a motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded and commissioners voting in the meeting recorded their approval. The chair voted aye; no members voted against the resolution. Commissioners were told the project — if it advances beyond study — would return for public works planning and city council approval and that any construction or service commitments are years away.
The commission also approved minutes from its Sept. 15 meeting earlier in the session. The special meeting then adjourned.
The action creates a formal mechanism to continue regional study and to pursue federal funding but does not authorize expenditure of city funds or construction; any future capital work would require separate approvals.
