State Representative Brett Davis (R-Oregon) has authored legislation to stop funding for the proposed $810 million high-speed train project to link Milwaukee to Madison.
"There are too many unanswered questions to allow this project to move forward so quickly without consideration by the full Legislature," Davis said. "From questionable no-bid contracts and low ridership demand, to expected ongoing operational costs in the millions, all spending on this project must be stopped."
The legislation would prohibit any further expenditure of state, federal or local funds for any costs related to the project. If the bill passes, the high-speed rail project could only move forward after a vote by the full State Legislature and approval of the governor.
"The state's transportation fund is already stretched to the limit with a current deficit of $30 million," Davis said. "This project will suck funding out of the transportation fund and result in less money and further delays for much needed road projects around the state."
The non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that by its completion in 2013, the high-speed train would need an annual subsidy of at least $7.5 million from state taxpayers to operate.
Davis criticized Gov. Jim Doyle for supporting the project.
"The next governor will already be facing billions of dollars in budget deficits due to the lack of responsible leadership by the current administration," Davis explained. "All funding and work needs to be halted immediately because it is clear the taxpayers are not able to afford yet another Doyle boondoggle."
Davis' bill is not expected to advance in the Democratic-controlled State Assembly.
Legislator proposes bill to stop high-speed rail project
Operand type clash: text is incompatible with int
advertisement
Sorry, the story you tried to comment on is not accepting comments.