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Governor Doyle Asks for a More Regional Approach to Transit

Vetoes Milwaukee Transit Authority, bus funding for Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha

On June 30, the Governor made dramatic changes to the legislature’s budget by using his veto pen. The Governor encouraged legislators to quickly work to find a more regional solution by fall of 2009 that would fully support regional integrated transit and a successful KRM application that are vital to job growth adn economic development. Doyle is looking for a solution that will put the three bus systems (Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee) and regional commuter rail in one package. Following is a summary of the vetoes that impacted transit. Stay tuned as more infomration becomes available on next steps we will post it.

See the Governor's full veto message

Journal Sentinel: Doyle signs budget, vetoes proposed county sales tax increase

Racine Post: The Final Word: What the Governor Did to KRM

Journal Sentinel: Holloway slams Doyle on county sales tax veto

Summary of state budget veto actions taken by the Governor on June 30, 2009

Vetoed:

• The entire Milwaukee Transit Authority including the 1% sales tax funding source and property tax reduction
• Funding for Racine and Kenosha buses that was to come from $2 of the rental car fee and local matching funds
• Ability for Racine and Kenosha transit systems to contract with SERTA to provide transit services
• A KRM stop that must be located in the City of Milwaukee at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Bay Street.

What remained in the final budget

The Southeast Regional Transit Authority (SERTA)

• Includes the three counties of Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha  
• Purpose is to manage and fund KRM Commuter Rail. Click here to learn more about KRM
• Funding source is an $18 rental car fee in the three counties
• SERTA would be fully vested in a 9-member body. A quorum and any action taken would require a majority of members.
• Board structure is:
  Two appointees of the Milwaukee County Board; 2 appointees of the Milwaukee Mayor; 1 appointee of the Kenosha County Board; 1 appointee of the Kenosha Mayor; 1 appointee of the Racine County Board; 1 appointee of the Racine Mayor; and 1 appointees of the Governor.
• Bonding authority for $50 million
• Prevailing wage requirements would apply to public works contracts

Governor’s veto message:
 
“I recognize that the legislature’s proposal for a Milwaukee Transit Authority and a Southeastern Regional Transit Authority is an attempt to move forward on this issue and while I could have signed these provisions, I believe they would move us in the wrong direction. We must commit from the very beginning to a vision of real regional transit. New revenues must be focused on regional transit, not immediate local transit funding needs. Transit planning and operations must reach across county boundaries in southeastern Wisconsin.
 
My vetoes remove the Milwaukee Transit Authority but retain the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority and the $18 vehicle rental fee. This will at least allow important engineering studies for the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee rapid rail system to move to the next step in the federal New Starts process. However, I strongly urge the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority to avoid full implementation of this new vehicle rental fee. I also respectfully request the Legislature to build on the positive steps it took in this budget on regional transit. Further efforts and legislation are needed as soon as possible to continue to make progress toward a truly regional transit system in support of economic growth. “