RACINE - Gov. Jim Doyle highlighted the importance of commuter rail and a regional transit authority in his visit to Racine Tuesday.

There are incredible opportunities right now for high speed rail connecting cities, Doyle said, and Wisconsin is ideally situated to become a significant part of a Midwest rail system. Doyle was here to formally present the city with transportation stimulus money.

Wisconsin has an opportunity now with President Barack Obama's interest in rail systems, "one we have to make sure we take advantage of," Doyle said.

With buses driving in and out of the Racine Transit Center in the background Doyle said, "in my budget, Wisconsin would finally join the modern world and have a regional transit authority."

Under the governor's budget the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority would be enabled to levy up to a .5 percent sales tax. It would be governed by a seven member board of directors from Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee. But the Legislature has not yet approved it.

"Hopefully the state Legislature will follow your lead on mass transit and create a regional transit authority for southeastern Wisconsin," Racine Mayor Tom Friedel said just before Doyle spoke.

While Doyle was in town he also mentioned the unemployment rate, which has doubled in Wisconsin since September, Doyle said.

"Those are not just numbers. Those are hard-working people," Doyle said. The state is still focusing on basic principles such as health insurance for children and education and stimulus money is helping, he said.

Jay Warner, who was in the crowd, said if the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail came to Racine it would create jobs. "It's part of the survival for Racine," he said.

Warner was one of about 130-plus people Tuesday, most of whom where there to show their support for KRM and RTA. "But it is not all about rail," Doyle told the crowd.

Buses will continue to be the "heart" of the transportation system, he said.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced April 10 that the Racine Belle Urban System will be receiving $2.54 million in stimulus funds. It will buy seven new buses and additional BUS upgrades.

The governor said he was pleased with stimulus money and added that it is "a good start."