Federal Railroad Administration
High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Workshop
Regional presentation
Frank Busalacchi
Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
June 1, 2009

HSR guidance announced
April 2009

Midwest Regional Rail Initiative

Midwest Regional Rail Initiative

Midwest Regional Rail Initiative
• Cost: $9.6 billion over 10 years
• $8.2 billion for infrastructure
• $1.4 billion for 64 new train sets
• Need freight rail as partners
• Average speeds comparable to NEC
• MWRRI: a very cost effective HSR solution

Midwest Regional Rail Initiative
Creates 15,000 jobs
$4.9 billion in increased property values
$23 billion in user benefits
Build ‘em here!

Midwest Regional Rail Initiative
Midwest states committed to initiative
Letter to DOT Sec. LaHood supporting
three “Phase I” corridor projects:

Midwest Regional Rail Initiative

CREATE
Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation
Efficiency project needs to be part of the solution.
Need to clear up rail congestion that slows freight
and passenger rail.
Goals of reducing rail and highway congestion,
promote economic development, improve air quality,
and reduce noise match those of HSR

National Surface Transportation Policy &
Revenue Study Commission
ARRA funding huge step forward
Still need a long-term funding
mechanism
NSTPRSC Passenger Rail Work Group
established blueprint through 2050

National Surface Transportation Policy &
Revenue Study Commission
$8 billion a needed jump-start
States already gearing up to make high-
speed passenger rail a reality
Ready to be a resource and partner with
U.S. DOT

High Speed Passenger Rail
A solution for the 21st Century