Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rail Grade Separation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee authorizes Wauwatosa to apply for federal grant to study Walnut Road underpass despite neighborhood concerns
Summary
The committee authorized a 20% city match to pursue an FRA grade-separation grant (estimated project development cost $1.25M; city share $250,000). Alders and a resident representative raised concerns about potential cut-through traffic; staff emphasized the authorization is for planning and would include public engagement and multi-year engineering.
WAUWATOSA — The Financial Affairs Committee voted to authorize Wauwatosa to provide a local cost share to apply for a Federal Railroad Administration grade‑separation grant for a Walnut Road underpass at the Union Pacific crossing.
Staff described the grant application as a $1,250,000 request with an 80% FRA cost share; the city's match would be roughly $250,000 if awarded. Staff emphasized the application is to fund project development and does not obligate the city to construct the underpass. "This is a grant application at this point," staff said, adding the authorization would let the city pursue engineering and study options.
Several members stressed the project's long timeline and the many steps ahead: staff said engineering would not start until about 2026 if the grant is awarded, design could take one to three years, railroad approvals may take three to five years, and construction could extend into the 2030s. Staff described multiple opportunities for neighborhood engagement during those planning stages.
During public comment, Alder Brunson (speaking for District 3 residents) said opening Walnut Road could create a new cut-through route and sharply increase traffic through Fisher Woods, and urged the committee to hold the item or vote no while soliciting resident input. "I would urge you and ask you all to to vote no on this 1," Brunson said, citing staff estimates of large traffic increases and a lack of city funding to reconstruct the stretch west of 113th Street.
Committee members debated trade-offs: proponents noted improved emergency access and potential economic redevelopment if the roadway opened, while others urged careful study and community outreach. Mister Zurcher explained a likely funding source for a city match would be TIF District 13; staff said that district currently has about $150,000 on hand and that future hotel increment may cover the remainder.
After discussion, the committee moved and approved authorization to pursue the FRA grant application and provide the city cost‑share if awarded. Staff said the authorization allows the city to begin required engineering and neighborhood engagement but is not a commitment to construct without subsequent approvals and funding.
