[milwaukee-electric] Kenosha proves to be model for Milwaukee streetcar system plan

[mrcooby]

>From KenoshaStreetcars at yahoogroups.com:

Kenosha proves to be model for Milwaukee streetcar system plan
 
BY MATTHEW OLSON
molson at kenoshanews.com

As Milwaukee gets assistance for its own downtown streetcar, a Kenosha transit official sees that proposal as a boost to regional transit plans and not a threat to interest in Kenosha's railways.

Part of the $410 billion federal spending bill signed last week by President Obama included a provision to divide $91.5 million in transit aid between the city and county of Milwaukee.

The $91.5 million in funding was initially approved in 1991, but was held up when Milwaukee city and county officials were unable to decide how to divide the money. The city's 60 percent share is planned for a downtown streetcar line, while Milwaukee County's funds destined for the county bus system.

The concept of a downtown streetcar is nothing new to Kenosha. The city restarted its downtown streetcar rail line in 2000, and an estimated 65,000 people rode on Kenosha's rails last year.


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Kenosha Area Transit Director Len Brandrup said Milwaukee officials have taken a look at Kenosha's streetcar setup in recent years.

"We have an excellent working relationship with the city of Milwaukee and have had them visit the streetcar system and showed them what it meant to the community," Brandrup said.

But a Milwaukee streetcar system could have a significant connection for Kenosha beyond initial research.

Pete Beitzel, chairman of the Milwaukee Connector Transit Study and vice president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's current plan for the streetcar line would create a three-mile loop through downtown Milwaukee. That line is expected to connect with the Amtrak train/Greyhound bus station.

That transit station is also the likely Milwaukee stop for a potential Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee (KRM) commuter rail link.

"Having the KRM in the same place would connect the station to downtown Milwaukee," Beitzel said. "Now, you either have to get a cab or have someone pick you up (from the station)."

Brandrup said he was excited that a deal had been reached for these funds and said Milwaukee's streetcar could make the KRM proposal more attractive.

"I personally think the idea of circulation in the core of the Milwaukee area is important in relation to our commuter rail option," Brandrup said. "Any circulation improvements to enhance that investment can provide better opportunities for the ridership to link to business and activities in downtown Milwaukee."

This proposal could assist the KRM proposal, but could it also hurt interest in Kenosha's streetcar?

Brandrup said while Kenosha features a historic, vintage streetcar line, Milwaukee is expected to create a more modern rail system, which should keep classic streetcar enthusiasts coming down to Kenosha.

"I don't think it will have any impact whatsoever," Brandrup said. "One would be a historic system and one a modern system. And you'll be able to ride a modern rail line between the two." 

A Milwaukee streetcar is still not a sure thing. Milwaukee's transit study ends in December, and Beitzel said it would be up to Milwaukee officials to decide how much of the plan they would like to follow. The system would receive about $54 million in the transit funding split, but Beitzel said the project is likely to cost more than that.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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