Wisconsin is receiving $810 million to build high-speed passenger rail service between Milwaukee and Madison, including construction of track, passenger stations, signaling and other infrastructure improvements. Our state is also receiving $12 million to install crossovers between Chicago and Milwaukee. In addition to Wisconsin’s funding, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has received $1 million to make final determinations on a route between Wisconsin and the Twin Cities.
"These family-wage construction jobs are going to put a lot of our neighbors back on their feet," said Phil Neuenfeldt, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. "Not only that, but thanks to the Obama and Doyle administrations, Wisconsin is poised to be the nation’s leader in high-speed rail manufacturing."
In July, Governor Doyle signed an agreement with the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo to establish new assembly and maintenance facilities in the state.
High-speed rail is a vital part of reliable transportation options that must be developed, including the need to strengthen bus systems. Our state must have daily transportation options for those who cannot afford drive or would prefer not to for environmental reasons.
As part of our Good Jobs Agenda, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is supporting Senate Bill 511, the Regional Transit & Jobs Investment Act. This legislation would allow communities to create Interim Regional Transit Authorities in southeastern Wisconsin to encourage a regional approach to transit planning, investment and funding. Experience in other states proves that a dynamic transportation network encourages economic development which results in more job creation.
Employees of any newly-created IRTA would be covered by the Municipal Employment Relations Act, which governs collective bargaining rights for local government employees. Prevailing wage law would apply to an IRTA as well. This law protects the interests of both building and construction trades workers and taxpayers on major projects that receive public funds.