Milwaukee-Madison passenger rail plan secures $218M federal grant
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By TOM DAYKIN, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect Amtrak 's proposed addition of a Milwaukee- Madison route is getting more than $200 million in federal funding for its design and construction – a major step towards making the project a reality. Known as Hiawatha West , the new service could start as soon as 2030. But it also will need state funding, which the Legislature could consider in its 2027-29 budget deliberations. The Amtrak service would initially run two round trips daily, with additional stops in Pewaukee and Watertown – bringing passenger service to Wisconsin's second- and third-most populous counties. That could increase to four trips daily. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Gov. Tony Evers have secured more than $218 million from the Federal Railroad Administration for Hiawatha West's final design and construction, according to a Oct. 16 announcement from their offices. The federal funds would be used to renovate and expand the capacity of track, bridges, and crossings, and construct new passenger rail stations or platforms in Madison, Pewaukee and Watertown. The expansion of Amtrak's Milwaukee-Chicago Hiawatha route "means more safe, easy ways to get to and from work or school, more tourists coming into our communities and buying things in our shops, and more good-paying jobs across our state," Baldwin said, in a statement. Track...
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