‘Closest we’ve seen’: Supporters optimistic about latest Amtrak proposal to Madison

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - After years of stalled efforts to restore passenger rail service to Madison, supporters say Wisconsin’s latest push could be the strongest opportunity yet.

The state is seeking a $218.2 million federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant to extend two daily Amtrak Hiawatha trains beyond Milwaukee to Madison, with additional stops in Watertown and Pewaukee.

If awarded, Wisconsin would then seek the remaining $54.6 million in state and local funding needed for the project.

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RSK: If approved how do you think this will affect real estate in the cities that have a passenger station?

Ken Notes: I sat on Tommy Thompson's rail advisory committee and just need to remind everyone that the closest we ever got is when we sent the money back to Washington, possibly the dumbest political move ever made.