Gov. Doyle unveils Southeast Wisconsin regional transit proposal

Written by jrood

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle revealed a framework of a proposal crafted with legislators from southeastern Wisconsin on a plan to improve bus and rail service in Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine through a Regional Transit Authority, according to The Business Journal of Milwaukee. The proposal would give Milwaukee County the authority to raise local sales taxes by 0.5 percent to fund local transit and a commuter rail line.  

"Investing in safe,
reliable modes of transportation allows people to travel and commute
efficiently and it strengthens the economy," Doyle said. "I am pleased today to
announce that leaders from Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine have joined me in
support of a truly regional approach to improving and expanding transit in this
area."

Doyle has supported
Regional Transit Authorities in Wisconsin that serve a population base, rather
than any specific municipal jurisdiction, and are independently governed. Under
the governor’s priorities, RTAs also should provide property tax relief and be focused
solely on transit.

The current proposal
satisfies those conditions and will create an RTA in southeastern Wisconsin
that would phase in independent governance. Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine would
initially operate as sub-RTAs, with varying sources of previously approved
funding. Over time, the sub-RTAs would merge into a common board, with regional
representation proportional to population. A primary goal of the RTA would be
to better position the proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail line for
obtaining New Starts funding from the Federal Transit Administration.

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