Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says the state will apply for at least $150 million in federal money to upgrade the popular Hiawatha rail line between Milwaukee and Chicago.
Nearly four months ago, the feds pulled $810 million in high-speed rail money for the state after the guv rejected building a line between Madison and Milwaukee.
Part of the grant Walker plans to seek in a joint application with Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Amtrak, would cover costs of renovating a train shed in Milwaukee.
The original $810 million would have covered those costs. But once the money was lost, the state remained committed to the project. If it won the $150 million, the grant would reduce the state’s cost of the $30 million project to $10 million.
“Upgrading the Hiawatha line will save the state money and improve rail service for Wisconsin customers,” Walker said.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett praised the move, saying it was an important step in improving the rail connection between Milwaukee and Chicago. He also said the city would benefit from the location of the maintenance facility at Century City.
– WisPolitics.com
