“Not Going to Happen” On Light rail Will be a Reality if Barrett Doesn’t Move On

I agree with Jim Rowen at Political Environment, let’s move on without Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. If we don’t, Walker’s "not going to happen" attitude will continue to hinder economic growth in Milwaukee and the region. If Mayor Barrett doesn’t move on and continues to attempt to work with Walker, “not going to happen” will become a reality.

What’s “not going to happen” if we wait;

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  Create a dynamic bi-state link joining the metro Milwaukee and mega metro Chicago economy, amenities, resources, and research/educational institutions that will help build a vibrant globally competitive economic region.
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  Add high quality, easy, and reliable access to an expansive and diverse pool of talent. Commuter rail is a powerful talent attractor that can help reverse the “brain drain”.
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  Provide direct access to 1.97 million people within 3 miles of the 9 Wisconsin stations and 25 NE Illinois stations on the rail line. Local transit serves most stations.
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  Economic impact of potential development within 1 mile of the KRM stations: • Increase in property valuation of $7.8 billion • Increase in retail sales of $750 million

• Economic impact from a mere 1% increase in tourism would generate annually: $20 mil. expenditures • $12 mil. wages • 500 jobs • $3 mil. in state and local government revenue.
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  Provide a fast, safe, and reliable mobility option during major 1-94 reconstruction.
  Reduce transportation costs, lowering business expenses and increasing household discretionary income.

And….

Job growth and local economic impacts:

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  Long-term development around stations: up to 71,000 jobs.
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  KRM construction: over 3160 jobs, and $425 million impact on area economy.
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  KRM operations and maintenance: 126 jobs, and $24 million annual impact on economy.
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  Increased tourism: over 500 jobs and $12 million in wages annually.

I have stated this before but worth repeating, nationally recognized economists and planners agree that the Milwaukee-Racine-Chicago corridor could become one of the nation's most important economic corridors if we choose to actively develop it, including providing modern rail connections with a comprehensive transit system. The Racine County Economic Development Plan prioritizes commuter rail as a catalyst for realizing this economic corridor.

I might be able to understand why Walker my not compromise on street cars, but to say no to light rail is just plain moronic.