Published by Kenosha News, 22 December 2006
It's easy to understand why state legislators are hesitant about a sales tax as the local funding source for the proposed commuter train line from Kenosha to Milwaukee. They are the ones who will be blamed for approving the tax.
But, they should also remember that if the train line is not completed, they are likely to be blamed for obstructing a project that political, business and education leaders consider vital for the region's future.
The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority confirmed Thursday [Dec. 21, 2006] that it is considering a 0.05 percent sales tax for Kenosha, Milwaukee and Racine counties to provide the local funding needed for the proposed KRM Commuter Link. The tax could generate $8 million a year, which would cover the local share of the $14.7 million a year operating cost and debt service on the local share of the $237 million construction cost. Most of the funding for the project will come from state and federal sources.
Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian and Kenosha County Executive Allan Kehl both said the were open to considering the plan.
State legislators from Kenosha county were hesitant or hostile to the plan, and it is the Legislature that has to approve sales taxes.
Sen. Bob Wirch, D-Kenosha, said he was skeptical. Rep. James Kreuser, D-Kenosha, said it was too soon to take a position. Rep. John Steinbrink, D-Pleasant Prairie, said he;d like to see a more creative funding source. Rep. Samantha Kerkman, R-Rndall, said residents are already taxed to excess and she opposes the tax increase.
None of them suggested another way to come up with the local funds. Perhaps it's early in the game for that, but at some point legislators are going to have to agree on a funding mechanism or say that they don't agree that the rail line will be good for their constituents.
It's our view that extending rail service to Milwaukee will be a tremendous economic benefit to Kenosha. A relatively small investment by local taxpayers will bring substantial state and federal investments, and the result will be a significant expansion of transportation options for Kenosha area residents.
Critics of the sales tax proposal should be thinking about how else this project might be funded. The KRM Commuter Link is a good opportunity, but it won't be free. If the sales tax isn't the right source for local funding, what is?
© 2006 Kenosha News. Used with permission.
Return to KenRail home page | Visit Kenosha News website
Read June, 2005 Kenosha News Focus feature on K-R-M trains
Read Kenosha News editorial, of 16 Dec 2004
Read previous Kenosha News editorial, of 29 Sept 2003
Read previous Kenosha News editorial, of 12 April 2003
