Wisconsin Must Commit Funds to Secure $218M for Rail Expansion

The state of Wisconsin must commit roughly $54 million and an annual operating subsidy of about $2.5 million to secure $218 million in federal funds for the Hiawatha West Project, a standard passenger rail line connecting Milwaukee and Madison that aims to begin service by 2029 or 2030, biztimes.com reported.

Federal Funding Breakdown for the Hiawatha West Project

The total cost of the Hiawatha West Project is estimated at $272 million. With the commitment of $218 million in federal funds from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, the federal government covers 80% of the anticipated expenses. The remaining 20% must be provided by the state of Wisconsin through the state Department of Transportation, requiring approval from state lawmakers in the upcoming budget cycle, captimes.com reported.

The funding will be directed toward rehabilitating and expanding the capacity of track, bridges, and rail crossings. It will also finance the construction of new intercity passenger rail stations. The proposed route extends Amtrak’s existing Hiawatha service—which currently runs between Chicago and Milwaukee—west toward Madison, with planned temporary stations in Pewaukee and Watertown.

Scott Walker Cancelled Previous High-Speed Rail Funding

Efforts to establish passenger rail between Madison and Milwaukee carry a contentious political history in Wisconsin. In 2010, the state was awarded $810 million in federal funding to establish a high-speed rail line between the two cities. Following his election later that year, Gov. Scott Walker cancelled the project, citing objections to the state covering ongoing operational costs for the high-speed line. Proponents note that the newly funded Hiawatha West Project carries a lower price tag and relies on standard Amtrak service rather than high-speed rail.

Service along the newly funded route could launch as early as 2029 or 2030. Amtrak plans to build a temporary platform in downtown Madison to accelerate the start of service, shaving years off previous timelines that pointed to a 2032 or 2033 debut. The agency projects the line will serve approximately 260,000 passengers annually.

Amtrak Estimates Rail Connection Will Create Jobs

Supporters argue the infrastructure investment will yield broad economic benefits. Amtrak estimates the connection will generate $46 million in annual economic benefits for the state while supporting 200 permanent jobs. Construction is expected to create 200 good-paying, family-supporting jobs.

“Expanding passenger rail 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,” U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said in a statement.

Gov. Tony Evers echoed those sentiments, pointing to the collaboration behind the project. “We’ve been working hard to build the safe, reliable 21st-century infrastructure needed to support Wisconsin’s growing 21st-century economy and workforce, and we’re excited to move this critical project forward to do just that,” Evers said in a statement.