Aug. 17, 2025 9p
(WGTD)---The next step in planning for a possible extension of commuter rail from Kenosha to Milwaukee appears to be creation of a commission.
A Racine City Council committee later this month is expected to discuss a three-page resolution that would authorize the mayor to negotiate an inter-governmental agreement with the other hoped-for members of the commission, namely the cities of Kenosha and Milwaukee. It's possible that in time other governmental agencies could join, according to the resolution.
The commission would be tasked with seeking funding sources, developing stations, coordinating with host railroads and connecting with the Wisconsin and Illinois transportation departments and the federal government.
Establishment of Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee passenger rail service has been envisioned for decades. The project came closest to getting off the ground with the creation of a Regional Transit Authority in 2005. But with controversy swirling over the imposition of a tax on rental vehicles to help fund the line, the legislature killed the RTA in 2011. At the time, planners estimated that the service would've had an annual ridership of just under two million passengers.
The planning process was resurrected two years ago when Congress appropriated $5 million. The grant was funneled through Racine.
This time, rail advocates say the commuter rail project could be funded in part by tax incremental financing districts that would be formed around the creation of stations along the line.
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