Governor Doyle testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Washington, D.C. Thursday, calling for federal investment in the state's passenger rail system.
Citing infrastructure as crucial to the recovery of the country and economy, Doyle said railroads are the missing link in federal transportation policy.
According to Doyle, the nation has reached a critical point and must recognize the opportunity to expand passenger rail services.
Demand for passenger rail servicing Milwaukee and Chicago continues to increase and set all-time records, Doyle said. To date, ridership on the Amtrak Hiawatha Line, which travels between the two cities, is up 28 percent from last year.
In addition, Doyle praised inner-city passenger rail development for its potential long-term economic benefits.
A study of the nine-state Midwest Regional Rail System shows full development of the system could produce 57,000 news jobs and 4.9 billion dollars in increased property values within the 120 cities served, Doyle said.
State Sen. Jim Holperin, D-Conover, who is chair of the senate committee dealing with transportation, said he supports the governor's call for increased investment in passenger rail, viewing it not only as an economic but also environmental investment.
Wisconsin has to recognize that if we are going to reduce our dependence on non-renewable petroleum products we need passenger rail and commuter rail in this state,"" Holperin said.
Kevin Brady, spokesperson for state Sen. Jeffery Plale, D-South Milwaukee, said Plale believes railroad investment is a major step toward reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence.
Although passenger rail primarily affects citizens in the southeastern part of the state, Holperin, representing northeast Wisconsin, mentioned freight rail investment as a concern of his constituents.
""I hear from far northeast and rural areas the need to maintain and enhance the present track for freight rail, which serves the logging, coal and paper industry,"" Holperin said.
If granted the money, Doyle ensured the committee his dedication to using the funds in the most efficient and effective manner.
""We share the goal of getting people to work, getting people to work quickly and getting them to work on projects that add long-term value to the state of Wisconsin and the U.S.,"" Doyle said. ""We are your partners in seeing the dollar figure that comes out is put to use as quickly and as effectively as possible.
