Washington policy makers have given their blessing to the high-speed rail system. This is a controversial project that has lawmakers and mid-term candidates, on both sides of the political fence, voicing strong opinions.
In an official visit from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Thursday to Watertown, he indicated that high-speed rail is coming to Wisconsin and there's no stopping it, according to a report on WISN News.
There are people for and against the project. Some people think it's a wonderful idea. Others say it's a big waste of money that could be used for more useful projects.
LaHood doesn't believe that any politicians opposed to the plan could throw it off the track.
“This is a national program. We're committed to it. High-speed inter-city rail is coming to America, high-speed inter-city rail is coming to Wisconsin,” LaHood said.
Governor Jim Doyle and LaHood signed an agreement that lays the foundation for a new train station in Watertown. It will also be a stop on the train line.
“President Obama's bold vision for high-speed rail is a game-changer for transportation in Wisconsin and the United States,” said Secretary LaHood. “This undertaking is not only creating jobs and reinvigorating out manufacturing base, it's also going to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”
Governor Doyle said, “In the next two and a half years, over 5,500 construction workers, engineers, machine operators and others will be working hard to make track improvements, build train stations, and improve the roads around these tracks. You are going to start seeing a lot of hard hats and neon vests around there and that is good news for everyone in this state.”
Construction of the rail segment between Madison and Milwaukee will begin this year. By 2013, people will be able to travel, via rail, in Wisconsin made train cars, from Madison to Chicago and beyond, according the the Governor's Office.
Adam Gibbs, candidate for 32nd District State Assembly told The Examiner, “I will work with our next governor to halt this project. We cannot survive as a state if we continue to throw good money at bad money.”
Gibbs feels that the expenditures will outweigh any profits gained by the project surging forward. He recommended that other projects gain more attention over this one. “I believe our existing infrastructure should be addressed before we create another drain on the taxpayers. Our taxpayers do not want this train.”
Evan Wynn, running for 43rd Assembly said, “While Wisconsin is facing problems like a stagnant economy, high unemployment, and massive budget deficits, Governor Doyle and the Democrats, in the Legislature, have insisted on wasting over $800 million on this useless train that will cost Wisconsin taxpayers millions more in the future just to keep it running.” Wynn calls it “a foolish project.”
Scott Walker, Gubernatorial Candidate's blog suggest that he “can stop the train boondoggle.” The dictionary definition of “boondoggle” is a project funded by the federal government out of political favoritism that is of no real value to the community or the nation.
Wisconsin recieved $46.5 million of the $810 million the feds have set aside in stimulus money.
Walker said, “No opposition at the state level can stop the rail line from becoming reality.” That's the message he feels Washington and Madison is sending to the people. He also said, “The Democrats must be worried about their pet project. Why else would they fly out LaHood to announce another influx of stimulus cash?”
“Why would Governor Doyle's otherwise ineffectual administration pull out all the stops to get this moving as quickly as possible?” remarked Walker, in his press statement. With the primary less than 2 months away, it appears this will be an issue that won't go away quietly.
SOURCES: WISN 12 News (ABC), FOX 6 News, Office of Governor Jim Doyle and U.S. Dept. of Transportation
VIDEO: News Anchor Beverly Taylor reports for FOX 6 News (WITI-Milwaukee). Video used by permission.
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