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Wisconsin - Resolutions

Jefferson County, January 12, 1999

WHEREAS, the Transportation Departments of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, along with Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration have developed an initial strategic assessment and plan for the development of a passenger Midwest Regional Rail System servicing the major cities of those states, and

WHEREAS, this initial plan includes servicing the Wisconsin cities of Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and would be a desirable, alternative form of transportation for the residents of Jefferson County, and

WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Board has previously supported passenger rail service in Jefferson County per Resolution No. 98-19, June 9, 1998, and

WHEREAS, the project's capital funding is a proposed state/federal joint venture

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Jefferson County Board supports the state and federal government's further investigation and implementation of passenger rail service in Wisconsin and include a stop in Watertown servicing the citizens of Jefferson County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the clerk forward a copy of this resolution to Governor Tommy G. Thompson, Senators Herb Kohl and Russell Feingold, Representative James Sensenbrenner Jr., State Senators Joanne Huelsman and Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Representatives Stephen Nass, David Ward, and Steven Foti as well as the Secretary of State, Department of Transportation, and the State Railroad Commissioner.

AYES 26, NOES 0

City of Lake Mills, Resolution 99-05, January 5, 1999

WHEREAS, the proposed Midwest Regional Rail System will locate a station in the City of Watertown;

WHEREAS, the residents of the City of Lake Mills will benefit from access to the Midwest Regional Rail System at Watertown with connections to rail and air terminals in both Milwaukee and Madison;

WHEREAS, this initial plan includes servicing the Wisconsin cities of Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, and Milwaukee and would be a desirable alternative form of transportation for the residents of the City of Lake Mills, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Lake Mills City Council endorses the creation of the Midwest Regional Rail System, including the designation of Watertown as a primary passenger terminal.

City of Madison, Resolution 56341, June 15, 1999

WHEREAS, the City of Madison has excellent access to existing rail right-of-way and City residents desire the opportunity to travel by rail to Milwaukee, Chicago, the Twin Cities, and other locations; and

WHEREAS, rail passenger service at speeds of 110 miles per hour would be competitive with travel by air and automobiles and thus both relieve and provide an option to congestion; and

WHEREAS, high speed rail would attract business travelers, convention visitors, and others and contribute to economic development; and

WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's feasibility studies indicate that high speed passenger rail on the Chicago/Twin Cities corridor would generate sufficient riders and revenue to defray operating costs; and

WHEREAS, Governor Tommy Thompson and the Governors of nine Midwestern states are cooperating in support of the Midwestern Regional Rail Initiative;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison, Wisconsin supports $7.5 million in Federal Railroad Administration planning funds under the Swift Rail Development Act for engineering design specifications for three key segments of the Midwest network, including connections between Madison and Milwaukee; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Madison, Wisconsin supports federal and state funding for implementation and construction of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative proposed by Governor Tommy Thompson; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be communicated to the MPO, Governor Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin's Congressional Delegates, and members of the State Legislature.

Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, June 9, 1999

[MRRPC is an economic development district providing assistance to local governments in Buffalo, Crawford, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Trempealeau, and Vernon Counties.  Contact - MRRPC, 1707 Main St., Suite 240; La Crosse, WI  54601, (608) 785-9396, <mrrpc@centuryinter.net>, Richard Wilhelm, chair.]

RESOLUTION 99-2

Resolution wherein the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission supports the goals of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative to establish the framework to provide fast rail passenger service to Midwestern cities from a hub point in Chicago.

WHEREAS, the United States has an existing framework of rail passenger service linking certain major cities, and providing service to intermittent points on the existing routes, and

WHEREAS, the nine counties of the Mississippi River Region are currently served by one daily passenger train between Chicago-Milwaukee and the Twin Cities (and the West Coast) with stops in or near the Region serving it at Wisconsin
Dells, Tomah, La Crosse, Winona, Red Wing, and St. Paul, and

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative would provide up to six daily trains linking the above mentioned Midwest cities with Madison, Wisconsin as a scheduled station, and

WHEREAS, studies show such rail passenger service, with speeds up to 110 mph, would be operationally self-supporting after recoverable asset public capital investment is made,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mississippi River Reginal Planning commission endorses the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and its goal to provide fast and frequent rail passenger service to Western Wisconsin and to the National Rail Passenger Network.

Dated this 9th day of June, 1999.

La Crosse County Board of Supervisors, Resolution 86/7-99, July 13, 1999

WHEREAS, the United States has an existing framework of rail passenger service linking certain major cities and providing service to intermittent points on the existing routes; and

WHEREAS, the nine counties of the Mississippi River region are currently served by one daily passenger train each way between Chicago - Milwaukee and the Twin Cities with stops in or near the region at Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, La Crosse, Winona, Red Wing and St. Paul; and

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative would provide up to 6 additional daily trains linking the above-mentioned midwest cities with Madison, Wisconsin as a scheduled station; and

WHEREAS, studies show such rail passenger service, with speeds up to 110 miles per hour, would be operationally self-supporting after the recoverable asset public capital investment is made; and

WHEREAS, the rail passenger service will not require the expenditure of County funds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors hereby endorses the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and its goal to provide fast and frequent rail passenger service to Western Wisconsin and to the National Rail Passenger Network.

Dated this 13th day of July, 1999

Dane County Board of Supervisors, Resolution 297, 1999-2000, March 16, 2000

IN SUPPORT OF HIGH-SPEED RAIL

The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is an ongoing cooperative and collaborative effort among nine Midwest states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, and Ohio. It is designed to create a business plan for an expanded and modern regional passenger rail system.

Dane County has excellent access to existing rail right-of-way, and Dane County residents desire the opportunity to travel by rail to Milwaukee, the Twin Cities, and other locations. Passenger rail service at speeds of 110 miles per hour on a frequent schedule would be competitive with travel by air and automobiles, thereby lessening congestion along a number of major highway corridors during peak travel times and reducing automobile emissions.

The Midwest Regional Rail System would create business and development opportunities around rail stations and would attract business travelers, convention visitors, and others, thereby supporting economic growth and contributing to economic development. The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative would increase job opportunities in the manufacturing and service industries as well.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's feasibility studies indicate that high-speed passenger rail on the Chicago/Twin Cities corridor would generate sufficient riders and revenue to defray operating costs. Governor Tommy Thompson and the governors of the other eight Midwestern states are cooperating in support of the Midwestern Regional Rail Initiative, particularly to secure federal funding.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dane County Board of Supervisors supports federal and state funding for implementation and construction of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative proposed by Governor Tommy Thompson, upon successful completion of safety and environmental studies and public hearings conducted in the affected communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dane County Board of Supervisors requests that WisDOT study the feasibility of other potential Amtrak stations, in addition to the Dane County Regional Airport.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be communicated to Governor Tommy Thompson, Dane County's state legislative delegation, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and Dane County's Congressional delegation.

Adopted by the Dane County Board of Supervisors March 16, 2000
Signed by Dane County Executive on March 20, 2000

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, March 30, 2000

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MIDWEST RAIL INITIATIVE

Whereas...The Greater Madison business community believes that a mix of reliable, efficient and cost-effective transportation options is critical to Wisconsin's overall economic growth and prosperity; and

Whereas...Wisconsin is one of nine states that comprise the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative - a 3,000-mile high-speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago and relying primarily on existing rail corridors; and

Whereas...the carefully researched Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is forecast to carry 9.6 million passengers annually and earn enough revenues to cover operating expenses once fully implemented in 2010; and

Whereas...one of the first phases of the proposed rail network would link the cities of Milwaukee and Madison with high-speed passenger rail service by December, 2003; and

Whereas...Midwest Rail offers Madison-area citizens and businesses additional mobility through modern high-speed trains, increased trip frequencies, customer-friendly amenities and downtown-to-downtown connections to major urban centers; and

Whereas...Midwest Rail will enhance the current infrastructure serving Madison area businesses and will open the doors for new business opportunities and the formation of new business relationships; and

Whereas...Midwest Rail will offer citizens from throughout Wisconsin better access to Madison's educational institutions, cultural centers, recreational opportunities and state government offices; and

Whereas...high-speed passenger rail will utilize modern technology allowing safe travel at speeds up to 110 mph and reducing travel times by as much as 30% over current rail service; and

Whereas...the strong Midwest economy is placing tremendous demands on highways and airports, some of which are reaching their capacity to move people and goods; and

Whereas...high-speed inter-city rail offers travelers a relaxing alternative to driving congested highways and wandering packed parking lots; and

Whereas...the current funding plan for Midwest Rail seeks an 80% federal partnership and 20% state and local share;

Therefore...the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce lends its full support to Wisconsin's efforts to establish and participate in the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative; and

Therefore...the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce urges our federal representatives, Congress, the Senate and the U.S. President to establish a dedicated national funding mechanism for high-speed passenger rail including the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative; and

Therefore...the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce calls upon the State of Wisconsin to provide leadership, financial support and professional expertise to turn the concept of high-speed inter-city passenger rail service into reality.

Columbia County, Resolution No. 54-99, September 15, 1999

SUPPORT FOR THE MIDWEST REGIONAL RAIL INITIATIVE

WHEREAS, THE Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is an ongoing cooperative and collaborative effort among nine Midwest States - Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin designed to create a business plan for an expanded and modern regional passenger rail system; and

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail System preserves, improves and expands passenger rail service by significantly reducing travel times and increasing frequencies, thereby lessening congestion along a number of major highway corridors during peak travel times, reducing automobile emissions; and,

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail System provides a high quality, reliable passenger rail system that is intermodal and accessible to 80 percent of the Midwest Region; and,

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail System supports economic growth and creates business and development opportunities within and around rail hubs; and,

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail System increases job opportunities in manufacturing and service industries; and,

WHEREAS, securing federal funding for the Midwest Regional Rail System requires the development of a strong coalition to advocate funding needs to the U.S. Department of Transportation, its agencies and the U.S. Congress.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Columbia urges the State of Wisconsin to advocate Midwest Regional Rail System funding needs to the U.S. Department of Transportation, its agencies and the U.S. Congress, and recommends this service be established on existing CP Railine between Watertown-Columbus-Portage.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Tommy Thompson, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, the legislators representing Columbia County and the Wisconsin Counties Association.

Columbia County Economic Development Corporation, August 11, 1999

Resolution wherein the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation supports the goals of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative to establish the framework to provide fast rail passenger service to Midwestern cities from a hub point in Chicago.

WHEREAS, the United States has an existing framework of rail passenger service linking certain major cities, and providing service to intermittent points on the existing routes, and;

WHEREAS, currently, Amtrak provides one round trip between Chicago, Milwaukee, Columbus, La Crosse and the Twin Cities. This is the Empire Builder long distance train from Chicago to Seattle which leaves about 2:15 p.m. from Chicago and does not arrive in the Twin Cities until after 10:20 p.m. This train is not scheduled conveniently for the business traveler and because it travels from the West Coast, the schedule is often subject to delays, and;

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative would provide six daily round trips between Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, La Crosse and the Twin Cities. This train will travel at 110 miles per hour (mph) verses the current train speed of 79 mph, and;

WHEREAS, there will be no cost for the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation, and;

WHEREAS, studies show such rail passenger service, with speeds up to 110 mph, would be operationally self-supporting after recoverable asset public capital investment is made.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation endorses the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and its goals to provide fast and frequent rail passenger service to Wisconsin and to the National Rail Passenger Network, and the Corporation also endorses the provision of Federal funding for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative.

Fox Cities Transit Commission, Resolution #13-R-99/Kalata, February 25, 1999

[meeting in Appleton]

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative Report completed in 1998 proposes a passenger rail link to Green Bay by the year 2003;

WHEREAS, the most logical and economically sound route from Milwaukee to Green Bay is through the Fox Valley corridor of Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Appleton;

WHEREAS, community support for passenger rail in the Fox Cities appears strong given recent accounts in the Post Crescent; and

WHERAS, after the Governor's promotion of the Midwest Rail Initiative in his State of the State address the next step is too identify public and political support for fully evaluating passenger rail service in Wisconsin; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED:

That the Mayor of Appleton coordinate with the elected leaders in east central Wisconsin and with the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to strongly urge the Governor and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to include the Fox Valley Corridor in all planning and evaluation phases of the Midwest Rail Initiative and to give equal consideration to the Fox Valley and Madison corridors when the planning and development of these routes take place.

Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, Resolution 99-2, August 16, 1999

Resolution wherein the Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce supports the goals of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative to establish the framework to provide fast rail passenger service to Midwestern cities from a hub point in Chicago.

WHEREAS, the United States has an existing framework of rail passenger service linking certain major cities, and providing service to intermittent points on the existing routes, and

WHEREAS, the nine counties of the Mississippi River Region are currently served by one daily passenger train between Chicago-Milwaukee and the Twin Cities (and the West Coast) with stops in or near the Region serving it at Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, La Crosse, Winona, Red Wing, and St. Paul, and

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative would provide up to six additional daily trains linking the above mentioned Midwest cities with Madison, Wisconsin as a scheduled station, and

WHEREAS, studies show such rail passenger service, with speeds up to 110 mph, would be operationally self-supporting after recoverable asset public capital investment is made.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce endorses the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and its goals to provide fast and frequent rail passenger service to Western Wisconsin and to the National Rail Passenger Network.

La Crosse Area Development Corporation, September 17, 1999

Resolution wherein the La Crosse Area Development Corporation supports the goals of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative to establish the framework to provide fast rail passenger service to Midwestern cities from a hub point in Chicago.

WHEREAS, the United States has an existing framework of rail passenger service linking certain major cities, and providing service to intermittent points on the existing routes, and

WHEREAS, the nine counties of the Mississippi River Region are currently served by one daily passenger train between Chicago, Milwaukee and the Twin Cities (and the West Coast) with stops in or near the region at Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, La Crosse, Winona, Red Wing, and St. Paul, and

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative would provide up to six additional daily trains linking the above mentioned midwest cities with Madison, Wisconsin as a scheduled stop, and

WHEREAS, studies show such rail passenger service, with speeds up to 110 mph, would be operationally self-supporting after recoverable asset public capital investment is made.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the La Crosse Area Development Corporation Board of Directors endorses the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and its goals to provide fast and frequent rail passenger service to Western Wisconsin and to the National Rail Passenger Network.

City of Milwaukee, File No. 991775, March 21, 2000

Substitute resolution supporting the State of Wisconsin's efforts to establish and participate in the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative

WHEREAS, Wisconsin is one of 9 states that comprise the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative - a 3,000-mile high-speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago and relying primarily on existing rail corridors; and

WHEREAS, The carefully researched Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is forecast to carry 9.6 million passengers annually and earn enough revenues to cover operating expenses once fully implemented in 2010; and

WHEREAS, One of the first phases of the proposed rail network would link the cities of Milwaukee and Madison with high-speed passenger rail service by December, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Midwest Rail offers Milwaukee-area citizens and businesses additional mobility through modern high-speed trains, increased trip frequencies, customer-friendly amenities and downtown-to-downtown connections to major urban centers; and

WHEREAS, Midwest Rail will offer citizens from throughout Wisconsin direct access to Milwaukee's downtown commercial centers, cultural centers and state government offices, promoting the continued vitality of downtown areas; and

WHEREAS, High-speed passenger rail will utilize modern technology allowing safe travel at speeds up to 110 mph and reducing travel times by as much as 30% over current rail service; and

WHEREAS, The strong Midwest economy is placing tremendous demands on highways and airports, some of which are reaching their capacity to move people and goods; and

WHEREAS, High-speed inter-city rail offers travelers a relaxing alternative to driving congested highways and wandering about in packed parking lots; and

WHEREAS, The current funding plan for Midwest Rail seeks an 80% federal partnership and 20% state and local share;

RESOLVED, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City lends its full support to Wisconsin's efforts to establish and participate in the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Council urges the U.S. President and Congress to establish a dedicated national funding mechanism for high-speed passenger rail including the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Council calls upon the state of Wisconsin to provide leadership, financial support and professional expertise to turn the concept of high-speed inter-city passenger rail service into reality; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be forwarded to President Clinton, Governor Tommy Thompson and Wisconsin's U.S. Congressional delegation.

City of Portage, Resolution 99-063, September 23, 1999

SUPPORT FOR THE MIDWEST REGIONAL RAIL INITIATIVE

WHEREAS, THE Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is an ongoing cooperative and collaborative effort among nine Midwest States - Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin designed to create a business plan for an expanded and modern regional
passenger rail system; and

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail System preserves, improves and expands passenger rail service by significantly reducing travel times and
increasing frequencies, thereby lessening congestion along a number of major highway corridors during peak travel times, reducing automobile
emissions; and,

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail System provides a high quality, reliable passenger rail system that is intermodal and accessible to 80
percent of the Midwest Region; and,

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail System supports economic growth and creates business and development opportunities within and around
rail hubs; and,

WHEREAS, the Midwest Regional Rail System increases job opportunities in manufacturing and service industries; and,

WHEREAS, securing federal funding for the Midwest Regional Rail System requires the development of a strong coalition to advocate funding
needs to the U.S. Department of Transportation, its agencies and the U.S. Congress.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Columbia urges the State of Wisconsin to advocate Midwest Regional Rail System
funding needs to the U.S. Department of Transportation, its agencies and the U.S. Congress, and recommends this service be established on
existing CP Railine between Watertown-Columbus-Portage.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Tommy
Thompson, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, the legislators representing the City of Portage and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities

Wisconsin Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, January 7, 2000

Resolution in Support of High Speed Rail

WHEREAS the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is an ongoing cooperative and collaborative effort among nine Midwest States - Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin designed to create a business plan for an expanded and modern regional passenger rail system; and,

WHEREAS Wisconsin tourism would benefit from expanded and improved travel by rail to Milwaukee, Chicago, the Twin Cities, and other locations; and,

WHEREAS passenger rail service at speeds of 110 miles per hour on a frequent schedule would be competitive with travel by air and automobiles thereby lessening congestion along major highway corridors during peak travel and tourism times, reducing automobile emissions; and,

WHEREAS the Midwest Regional Rail System creates business and development opportunities around rail stations, and attracts tourists, business travelers, convention visitors, and others, thereby supporting economic growth and contributing to economic development; and,

WHEREAS the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative increases job opportunities in the tourism, manufacturing, and service industries; and,

WHEREAS the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's feasibility studies indicate that high speed passenger rail on the Chicago/Twin Cities corridor would generate sufficient riders and revenue to defray operating costs; and,

WHEREAS Governor Tommy Thompson and the Governors of nine Midwestern states are cooperating in support of the Midwestern Regional Rail Initiative, particularly to secure federal funding; and,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the WACVB supports federal and state funding for implementation and construction of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative proposed by Governor Tommy Thompson;

BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be communicated to the Governor, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Wisconsin's Congressional Delegates, and members of the State Legislature.

Wisconsin Alliance of Cities, January 20, 2000

Resolution in Support of High Speed Rail

WHEREAS the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is an ongoing cooperative and collaborative effort among nine Midwest States - Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin designed to create a business plan for an expanded and modern regional passenger rail system; and,

WHEREAS Wisconsin cities have excellent access to existing rail right of way and their residents desire the opportunity to travel by rail to Milwaukee, Chicago, the Twin Cities, and other locations; and,

WHEREAS passenger rail service at speeds of 110 miles per hour on a frequent schedule would be competitive with travel by air and automobiles thereby lessening congestion along major highway corridors during peak travel and times, reducing automobile emissions; and,

WHEREAS the Midwest Regional Rail System creates business and development opportunities around rail stations, and attracts business travelers, convention visitors, and others, thereby supporting economic growth and contributing to economic development; and,

WHEREAS the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative increases job opportunities in the manufacturing and service industries; and,

WHEREAS the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's feasibility studies indicate that high speed passenger rail on the Chicago/Twin Cities corridor would generate sufficient riders and revenue to defray operating costs; and,

WHEREAS Governor Tommy Thompson and the Governors of nine Midwestern states are cooperating in support of the Midwestern Regional Rail Initiative, particularly to secure federal funding; and,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities supports federal and state funding for implementation and construction of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative proposed by Governor Tommy Thompson;

BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be communicated to the Governor, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin's Congressional Delegates, and members of the State Legislature.

City of Wisconsin Dells, Resolution No. 2640, April 18, 2000

WHEREAS, Wisconsin is one of the nine states that comprise the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative - a 3,000-mile high-speed passenger rail network radiating from Chicago and relying primarily on existing rail corridors; and

WHEREAS, the carefully researched Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is forecast to carry 9.6 million passengers annually and earn enough revenues to cover operating expenses once fully implemented in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Midwest Rail offers travelers additional mobility through modern high-speed trains, increased trip frequencies, customer friendly amenities and downtown-to-downtown connections to community centers; and

WHEREAS, Midwest Rail will offer citizens from throughout Wisconsin direct access to educational institutions, cultural centers, recreational opportunities and state government offices;

WHEREAS, high-speed passenger rail will utilize modern technology allowing safe travel at speeds up to 110 mph and reducing travel times by as much as 30% over current rail service; and

WHEREAS, the strong Midwest economy is placing tremendous demands on highways and airports, some of which are reaching their capacity to move people and goods; and

WHEREAS, high-speed inter-city rail offers travelers a relaxing alternative to driving congested highways and wandering packed parking lots; and

WHEREAS, the current funding plan for Midwest Rail seeks an 80% federal partnership and 20% state and local share;

THEREFORE, the City of Wisconsin Dells, Sauk, Columbia and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, lends its full support to Wisconsin's efforts to establish and participate in the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative; and

THEREFORE, the City of Wisconsin Dells, Sauk, Columbia and Adams Counties, Wisconsin urges our federal representatives, Congress, the Senate and the U.S. President to establish a dedicated national funding mechanism for high-speed passenger rail such as the Lautenberg Bill (S1900 and H3700); and

THEREFORE, the City of Wisconsin Dells, Sauk, Columbia and Adams Counties, Wisconsin calls upon the state of Wisconsin to provide leadership, financial support and professional expertise to turn the concept of high speed inter-city passenger rail service into reality.