Gov. Tony Evers recently joined U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Amtrak in recognizing a $38.6 million federal grant destined to support Wisconsin's new Borealis train service over its first six years of operation. As noted in the Office of the Governor release, this funding, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Restoration and Enhancement Grant Program, aims to bolster the state's transportation framework and has already witnessed the Borealis exceed 100,000 riders since its inception in May 2024.
"Thanks to the tremendous support of our federal partners, including Senator Baldwin and the Biden-Harris Administration, this investment will help further support our efforts to expand and grow passenger rail across the state and allow us to continue building the 21st-century transportation system Wisconsinites need and deserve," Gov. Evers said, according to the Office of the Governor announcement. Additionally, Senator Baldwin highlighted the broader impacts of investment in rail service, noting, "Investing in commuter rail gives Wisconsinites and visitors alike more options to explore the Badger state, support our local economies, and visit their loved ones."
Wisconsin's Department of Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman outlined the benefits that the Borealis service brings to communities, particularly in offering a viable travel alternative. Speaking to the successful launch and anticipated growth of this service, Boardman said, "Strong ridership during the first few months of Borealis service proves there is a demand for this alternative mode of travel and a need to continue finding new opportunities for the people of Wisconsin." This aligns with Evers' budget proposals which included substantial investments aimed at expanding state-sponsored passenger rail services, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
Amtrak's Vice President of State Supported Services, Ray Lang, expressed confidence in the future of the Borealis service. "The future for the Borealis service is as strong and bright, as the Northern Lights because this grant solidifies the federal commitment for the first six years of service for the state partners and Amtrak," Lang stated in information obtained by the Office of the Governor bulletin. Wisconsin's Department of Transportation's plans include significant infrastructure developments such as the expanded Airport Station and the CPKC freight bypass, which are set to further enhance Amtrak's operations within Milwaukee.
The investment supports daily trips between the Twin Cities and Chicago, with eight stops throughout Wisconsin, promising improved accessibility and a boost in economic activity for the involved regions. Furthermore, Wisconsin also secured a $72.8 million grant in 2024 aimed at improving freight and passenger rail services, and is actively engaged in assessing the feasibility of introducing or enhancing rail services to additional Wisconsin cities as part of the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development Program.
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