By Senator Lena Taylor
KRM: Legislature votes to create new transportation package
For too long the issue of transit has not been adequately addressed. On May 1, 2009 my colleagues in the state legislature voted to create an new transportation authority. As a part of the new transportation package, there will be $20 million of dedicated funding for the city of Milwaukee.
Moving people to and from work is vital to our state’s long term economic growth. I am very happy that my assembly colleagues also see a new transit system as a vital part of our state’s infrastructure.
This newly created KRM authority is comprised of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha Counties line.
The governance structure of the KRM would be comprised of:
-
2 members appointed by Milwaukee County Board Chair
-
2 members appoint by the Mayor of Milwaukee
-
1 member appointed by the Mayor of Waukesha
-
1 member appointed by the Mayor of Racine
-
1 member appointed by the Mayor of Kenosha
-
1 member appointed by the Governor who resides in the KRM authority jurisdiction
This new authority is a worthy investment of federal stimulus dollars. By having a light rail system in place, Wisconsin will be poised to move ‘Forward’ as our economy begins its inevitable rebound. If you would like more information please contact my office at 414-342-7176.