High-speed rail funding questioned by Sen. Leibham

One of the most frequently asked questions at my recent listening sessions has been, “What is the status of the proposal to spend over $800 million on a high speed train system and why is our state government advancing this plan?”

While I have offered brief updates at the listening sessions, I thought it would be helpful to provide a more detailed summary of the plan for you today.

Background: Last year, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), under the direction of Gov. Jim Doyle, applied for a federal “economic stimulus” grant to establish passenger rail service between Milwaukee and Madison. On Jan. 28, 2010, the federal government awarded a grant of $810 million for the project to WisDOT. An additional smaller grant brought the total federal funding to $823 million.

Last week, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) approved accepting the federal funds and committed the state of Wisconsin to the project. The JFC is a 16-member committee consisting of eight state senators and eight state representatives. Currently, six of the members from each house are Democrats while two from each house are Republican. The vote to approve the plan was along party lines with all 12 Democrats voting “aye” and all four Republicans voting “nay.”

Under the funding plan approved by the JFC, track and crossing construction will begin late this year with the goal of completing track and station construction and passenger car acquisition by the beginning of 2013. The project will include extensive track upgrades to allow for passenger train operation at speeds up to 110 miles/hour and the construction of additional rail lines to allow passenger trains to operate without conflicts with freight traffic. In addition, the project will include signal improvements at crossings, the construction of stations in Madison, Brookfield, Oconomowoc and Watertown, the purchase of eight locomotives and two passenger car train sets (in addition to two sets already purchased in 2009), the construction of a train service and inspection facility and the installation of train traffic control signals.

Passenger rail service could begin in 2013, but the operating speed would likely be limited to 79 miles/hour until the purchase of “next-generation” locomotives from Spain and the installation of train control systems that would be completed by the beginning of 2016. At that time, the trains could travel at a maximum speed of 110 miles/hour, although higher levels of freight traffic between Watertown and Milwaukee may limit the top speed to 90 miles/hour in some places.

A preliminary analysis by Amtrak, who would operate the system for the state, estimates that first-year ridership would be approximately 361,000 riders. The approved plan calls for a one-way fare of somewhere between $20 and $33. Actual fares charged would be determined by Amtrak in consultation with WisDOT. In the plan, however, WisDOT indicates that fares would not be established at a level to minimize the amount of subsidy. Rather, they would be established at a level to encourage use of the service and to maintain a reasonable cost for moderate income travelers.

Also under the approved plan, the service would require an initial operating subsidy of $7.5 million in state tax funds. Subsidies in future years would depend, to some extent, upon the continued development of rail service in this and other states, operational costs and actual ridership numbers.

My position: To start, I believe it is wrong that this major expenditure was approved simply by the JFC. This proposal should require debate and a vote by the entire state Legislature. I will continue to push for full legislative consideration of this plan.

If I had a vote, I would vote “no.” I do not believe the proposed line makes sense logistically or financially. First, the station in Madison will be located at the Dane County Airport, far on the city’s east side. Most rail passengers will need to rely upon additional transportation to get to their final destination. In addition, due to the number of proposed stops, it is anticipated that an average “high-speed” trip will take about one hour and 14 minutes – longer than a traditional automobile ride.

Most concerning to me is the amount of taxpayer money that will be needed to construct, operate and maintain the line. Without a doubt, this will be a highly taxpayer-subsidized system and I am opposed to spending this amount of money on this project while many other transportation projects – like Highway 23 – or other government programs are unfunded or underfunded. I question how this ranks as a priority in the economy and budget problems of 2010. Unfortunately, Gov. Jim Doyle seems adamant to move this railroad project, and the spending of close to $1 billion, ahead with full steam!

As always, it has been a pleasure communicating with you. Please remember to communicate with me and share your input by calling (888) 295-8750, writing to me at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882, or by e-mailing me at Sen.Leibham@ legis.wi.gov. You can also logon to the 9th Senate District online office at www.leibhamsenate.com.

It is an honor representing the residents of the 9th District in the state Senate.