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(rshsdepot) Milwaukee, WI
News release from the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation:
Contract signing is first step in turning Amtrak Station into "Gateway to
Milwaukee"
October 13, 2003
Milwaukee - A public/private partnership finalized today between the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Milwaukee Intermodal
Partners (MIP) means renovations can now begin to transform the downtown
Amtrak Station into a "gateway to Milwaukee" connecting walkers, bikers,
motorists, bus and airplane riders, and rail travelers.
"Governor Doyle's Grow Wisconsin initiative recognizes the need to invest in
all transportation modes to promote public mobility and encourage economic
growth," said WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi. "This project will result
in an attractive transportation gateway for Milwaukee, will boost state and
local economies, and will create the type of modern intermodal facility that
represents the future of transportation."
WisDOT purchased the Milwaukee Amtrak Station about three years ago. The
$3.9 million renovation agreement signed Monday will incorporate retail
centers, ticket offices and food vendors into the renovated station.
Travelers will be able to view schedules for public and private bus
operations serving the station, Amtrak and flights through General Mitchell
International Airport. When renovations are complete in 2005, use of the
intermodal facility is expected to increase from the 400,000 travelers who
currently use the station annually. The renovated Amtrak Station will
complement other southeast Wisconsin transportation initiatives currently
underway: a new passenger rail terminal at General Mitchell Airport is
expected to be operational by 2005; and the Governor's budget includes funds
to continue studying the feasibility of commuter rail service between
Kenosha and Milwaukee utilizing the Milwaukee Amtrak Station.
Secretary Busalacchi noted MIP is working to have Greyhound as a tenant in
the building when renovation is complete and that addition of the bus
service is an important aspect of developing the station into an intermodal
facility. Busalacchi thanked the many partners helping make the station
renovation efforts possible including U.S. Senator Herb Kohl who secured
federal funds to help advance the project; MIP; Amtrak; and the city and
county of Milwaukee.
Busalacchi recently presented testimony to the U.S. Senate calling for
continued federal support of Amtrak and future high-speed rail service in
Wisconsin and the Midwest. "The contract we're signing today represents an
important incremental step in providing travelers with additional mobility
options that we hope will some day include high-speed passenger rail service
connecting Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, La Crosse, St. Paul and other
Midwest cities," Busalacchi said.
For more information contact:
Ron Adams, Director, WisDOT Bureau of Rails and Harbors
(608)267-9284 ron.adams_@_dot.state.wi.us
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org
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