Commission pitched for southeast Wisconsin passenger rail study

Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine are considering forming a new commission to study a passenger rail line connecting the three cities.

The common councils of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha will consider a proposal to enter an intergovernmental agreement form the Milwaukee-Area-Racine-Kenosha Passenger Rail Commission, which will open up federal support to explore the potential of future passenger rail service in southeastern Wisconsin continuing down to Chicago, city of Racine officials said in a news release.

The agreement doesn’t commit the cities to launching rail service, constructing infrastructure or expending fundings, but it will create a formal structure to start regional planning, officials said. If approved, the commission would focus on long term planning, engage with the public and find access to state and federal programs.

The commission would be eligible to apply for the Federal Railroad Administration‘s Corridor Identification and Development Program, which provides federal support for rail corridor development, officials said. That program doesn’t require a local match and lets cities start early-stage studies without financial contributions.

“These activities are preliminary in nature and represent one step in a longer, multi-phase process,” Racine officials said. “Any future investment decisions or implementation steps would require additional public input, technical analysis and council action.”

Officials said the project reflects regional goals in long-range plans such as VISION 2050 and the Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050, the latter established by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

“Milwaukee has long been a hub for innovation and regional collaboration, and this proposed Commission represents a measured, forward-looking step in exploring passenger rail as a future mobility solution,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said in a statement. “While no decisions are being made today about construction or investment, this partnership positions us to thoughtfully evaluate opportunities for enhanced connectivity across southeastern Wisconsin and into the broader Midwest.”

“Kenosha welcomes this effort to coordinate regional planning around transportation,” said Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala in a statement. “By forming the MARK Commission, we are taking a prudent approach, one grounded in data and collaboration. Our shared goal is to understand what rail could mean for our residents, businesses, and long-term economic development, while remaining mindful of the practical considerations ahead.”

“This proposed agreement allows us to participate in a critical planning process without committing local dollars, which is both responsible and strategic,” said Racine Mayor Cory Mason in a statement. “Passenger rail has the potential to increase access to good-paying, middle-class jobs, reduce congestion, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The MARK Rail Commission provides a framework to explore these possibilities through careful analysis and public dialogue.”