Number
241777
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BAUMAN, JACKSON AND STAMPER
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of City Development to explore the acquisition by the City of Milwaukee of the 30th Street Corridor rail line and right-of-way from approximately West Wisconsin Avenue to approximately West Villard Avenue.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of City Development to explore the purchase of the railroad line within the 30th Street Corridor between West Wisconsin Avenue and West Villard Avenue.
Body
Whereas, The 30th Street Corridor rail line has served industrial and commercial enterprises for many decades; and
Whereas, The 30th Street Corridor rail line and right-of-way are currently owned by Watco Companies L.L.C., an operator of short line freight railroads, and rail operations are conducted by Wisconsin & Southern Railroad, a subsidiary of Watco; and
Whereas, Public ownership of the 30th Street Corridor rail line and right-of-way would create opportunities to develop rail transit and bikeway infrastructure while maintaining railroad freight service; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of City Development is directed to explore the acquisition by the City of Milwaukee of the 30th Street Corridor rail line and right-of-way between approximately West Wisconsin Avenue and approximately West Villard Avenue; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of City Development is directed to update the Common Council on the progress of its investigation within 90 days of the adoption of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB180580-2
Gunnar Raasch
3/6/2025