KRM backers forge on

Backers of the proposed commuter rail line from Kenosha to Milwaukee with stops in Racine and Caledonia are forging on after a major setback in the state budget process.

Legislators dropped the funding source for KRM, setting back the line two years - if not longer. Transit NOW, the lobby group fighting for commuter rail, issued a statement Thursday saying they were not deterred.

"The feedback from business and elected leaders in the past few days has been overwhelming. There is more commitment than ever to keep KRM moving," Rosemary Potter, executive director of Transit NOW. "There is broad consensus that KRM is simply too valuable to lose."

Transit NOW said the southeast Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority will meet in November to develop an alternative dedicated local funding source for KRM and local transit. The organization also noted the support from several business and legislative leaders.

"While we are not happy with the outcome of a very frustrating budget
process, it is still one more step in the legislative process to keep the
train moving. Major projects are never easy, simple or advance without
opposition.

- Julia Taylor, President, Greater Milwaukee Committee

"A modern, fully-integrated transportation system that serves our City and our region is critical to Milwaukee's economic health and vitality ... we should continue to search for a comprehensive funding solution for this effort."

-Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

"While I am extremely disappointed by the partisan opposition to KRM, I am pleased to see that efforts to find a solution continue. KRM would create thousands of jobs and revitalize entire communities, which is why it has such strong support from the business community and local leaders. This could be the single biggest economic development tool for all of SE Wisconsin. We can't afford to give up now."

-State Representative James Kreuser

"We are very disappointed that KRM was not included in the state budget. Our economic success as a business and as a region lies in better connecting communities and individuals in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor. We consider KRM a great value, and a key to growth in the region and we're committed to keep working to get it done."

-Chip Brewer, SC Johnson, Director of Worldwide Government Relations

"We are not deterred by this setback. KRM is too important to the economy of this region to let it slip away. KRM is a huge priority for businesses in SE Wisconsin and we fully intend to see it become a reality."

-Jerold Franke, President, WISPARK, LLC