Number
250773
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BAUMAN
Title
Resolution relating to the creation of the Milwaukee Area-Racine-Kenosha Passenger Rail Commission.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the City of Milwaukee’s support for the creation of the Milwaukee Area-Racine-Kenosha Passenger Rail Commission. The resolution directs the appropriate City departments to begin negotiations to create the Commission and authorizes those departments to execute any agreements needed for the creation of the Commission and to enroll the City of Milwaukee as a member.
Body
Whereas, Regional connectivity is critical for promoting economic growth, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, promoting tourism, and creating a vibrant business community; and
Whereas, The expansion of passenger rail in the Milwaukee Area-Racine-Kenosha (MARK) corridor would provide an additional connection from Milwaukee to Chicago, and create a world-class economic and cultural region that would spur economic development, increase wealth, enhance wellbeing, and attract new residents and businesses to Southeastern Wisconsin; and
Whereas, A key element of Vision 2050, a long-term land use and transportation plan for Southeastern Wisconsin, is development of commuter rail in the MARK corridor; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) created the Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050, which recommends statewide intercity passenger rail service; and
Whereas, WisDOT is pursuing development of 4 intercity projects through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program; and
Whereas, With support from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, the City of Racine received $5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to complete a study considering different approaches to passenger rail service design, sponsorship, and local funding in the Union Pacific corridor between Kenosha and Milwaukee; and
Whereas, The cities of Racine, Kenosha, and Milwau...
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