Infrastructure dollars could improve rail travel in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It could soon be easier for people to travel throughout Wisconsin.

A 2021 federal infrastructure bill allocated $22 billion for new Amtrak transit and Wisconsin's two biggest cities could be getting in on that.

Congress set aside that money to connect the country through an expanded railway system. Now, Madison is putting itself in prime position to land an Amtrak hub.

Amtrak suggested Madison be the caboose of the Hiawatha Extension, a line between Milwaukee and Chicago.

The City of Madison revealed its Passenger Rail Station Study earlier this week, revealing several possible destinations for a hub. The possible locations include downtown near the Monona Terrace, the former Oscar Mayer plant on Packers Ave. as well as the Dane County Regional Airport.

A public Passenger Rail Station Study Kick-Off Meeting will be held on Dec. 7 to help decide an official recommendation of which spot should be the home of the proposed Madison hub.

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