Local
Federal grant advances planned Madison–Milwaukee train, but state funding remains unresolved
A $218 million federal award will cover 80% of the anticipated cost of a new passenger rail connection linking Madison and Milwaukee. The project still needs state lawmakers to approve matching construction funds and an annual operating subsidy.
A planned passenger rail line connecting Madison and Milwaukee has secured more than $218 million in federal funding for design and construction, Gov. Tony Evers and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin announced Friday, Oct. 16.
The proposed Hiawatha West service would initially run twice daily, with stops in Madison, Watertown and Pewaukee. The federal money would help upgrade tracks, bridges and crossings and build new stations.
The award represents 80% of the project’s anticipated cost. The remaining 20% would come from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, but state lawmakers must approve that contribution in the next budget cycle. Once the line is built, the state would also need to provide an estimated $2.5 million a year to operate it.
Amtrak says service could begin as soon as 2029 or 2030. The agency is pursuing a temporary platform in downtown Madison to speed up the launch, which had previously been projected for 2032 or 2033. Amtrak estimates the route could carry 260,000 passengers annually.
“Expanding passenger rail means more safe, easy ways to get to and from work or school, more tourists coming into our communities and buying things in our shops, and more good-paying jobs across our state,” Baldwin said in a statement.
Evers said the project would help support Wisconsin’s economy and workforce. Amtrak estimates the service would generate $46 million in annual economic benefits statewide and create 200 permanent jobs.
The federal award moves the project closer to construction, but state approval of both the matching funds and ongoing operating support remains a key step before trains can run.