http://www.kenoshanews.com/article_comments/view_comments.php?articleNum=1849709

Opportunity overlooked
Oct. 22, 2007
State budget should include tax to support KRM commuter rail line
Kenosha News EDITORIAL

http://www.kenoshanews.com/article_comments/view_comments.php?articleNum=1849709

The failure to include funding for the proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail line in the state budget is more than a little bit disappointing.

Southeastern Wisconsin's best economic development project, a commuter rail line from Kenosha to Milwaukee with several stops in between, is dependent upon state financial support, so it is fair to require a vote of support from the state Legislature. Unfortunately, with all the other difficulties that stalled the state budget this year, the rail project never seemed to command much attention in the state Capitol. Cigarette taxes, hospital taxes, and oil company taxes were all debated at great length. A tax on car rentals in Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee counties to support the local portion of the funds for the KRM line didn't seem to grab the attention of anyone outside of southeastern Wisconsin. As a result, it was too easy for legislators to turn down the proposed car rental tax - it's always easiest for politicians to say no to a tax - without really considering what Wisconsin would be giving up by not pursuing this project.

There's still a chance. Rep. Jim Kreuser, a member of the budget conference committee, said that he would try to amend the budget in today's conference committee meeting. As the only member of the committee from southeastern Wisconsin, he'll need some allies from other parts of the state to open their eyes to the opportunity this project represents.

Any money the local area invests, and any money the state invests in the KRM line will be matched many times over by federal investments if the project is eventually approved. Although the KRM line has a big price tag - $198 million - It wouldn't require new land for railroad rights of way because the rails are already in place. The only land purchases that would be required are for stations. That makes the KRM a bargain as such projects go.

While it might be unreasonable to expect the whole state to get excited about a project that mainly benefits Racine and Kenosha counties, it's not unreasonable to expect the Legislature to look for projects to help Milwaukee, the state's largest city, which is struggling to create jobs and create the kind of atmosphere that attracts young, educated workers. The KRM would make a big difference for Milwaukee. That ought to be enough to sway the votes of legislators all over the state.

The KRM line is a big opportunity, and it shouldn't be missed.. There's still time for the Legislature to get on board.