KRM rail plan does not make Republican budget

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 2:12 AM CDT

Journal Times staff

MADISON -

As expected, Assembly Republicans left out funding for commuter rail in their 2008-09 budget.

The decision will send the fate of a commuter rail between Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee to a conference committee between the Senate and Assembly. Senate Democrats passed their budget with funding for commuter rail, including a $15 fee on rental cars in southeastern Wisconsin.

The two sides will work out the differences between their two budgets and send the two-year spending plan to Gov. Jim Doyle for final approval. Doyle said he would approve commuter rail funding if the measure reached his desk.

The commuter rail plan calls for stops in Racine, Caledonia and Somers for trains heading to Milwaukee and Kenosha. In Kenosha, riders will be able to switch to commuter trains headed to Chicago.

The proposed $200 million system would operate 14 daily round trips in a 33-mile corridor with nine stops and carry an estimated 1.7 million passengers per year. Organizers hope federal grants will cover half of the construction costs, with money raised with the rental car fees covering capital and operating costs.

State Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, stood by his contention that taxpayers should have a say on whether the rental-car tax should be implemented.

"While commuter rail may be a laudable goal for the residents of Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee, if a tax is to be imposed for its operation, the residents of these counties should have full say through a binding referendum," Vos said Tuesday night.

State Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, said the KRM would be important for Racine County's and the region's economic development. Mason said Monday night that he hoped Assembly Minority Leader Jim Kreuser, D-Kenosha, who will likely be part of the Joint Finance Committee, will be able to salvage the KRM rail plan. The commuter line would serve Kreuser's

district.

Special Offer: Get 5 Weeks of the Journal Times for $7!