Amtrak Welcomes Federal Grant for Hiawatha West

Investment will advance passenger rail expansion while improving Wisconsin's rail infrastructure

MILWAUKEE - Amtrak welcomes the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) selection of Hiawatha West for funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The award is a critical step toward extending existing Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha service west to Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane counties and expanding passenger rail connections in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and Amtrak are advancing the project to bring Hiawatha service to more Wisconsin communities, including Madison, Watertown and Pewaukee. The project is being developed in coordination with host railroads, CPKC and Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (Watco).

The grant will support targeted investments in existing rail infrastructure to improve safety, reliability and capacity. These improvements will advance future Hiawatha West service while benefiting existing Borealis and Empire Builder trains.

"This award is a major step toward bringing the convenience and connectivity of the Hiawatha service to more Wisconsin communities," said Amtrak Executive Vice President, Strategy & Planning Jennifer Mitchell. "We appreciate the support of the USDOT and FRA, along with the collaboration of all our partners and communities helping to move this project forward. Together, we are advancing a project that will improve rail infrastructure, strengthen the regional economy and give more people a safe, reliable and convenient way to travel."

Hiawatha West is being developed to bring direct Chicago-bound service to Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane counties, connecting more of Wisconsin to Amtrak's broader national network. Once implemented, Hiawatha West is expected to generate approximately 278,000 additional annual Amtrak riders, approximately $46 million in annual regional economic benefits and approximately 200 permanent jobs through ongoing passenger operations.

For more information about Hiawatha West, visit AmtrakNewEra.com/Hiawatha-West.

REACTIONS

"Under President Trump, USDOT is investing in rail projects that will unleash local economies and deliver real safety upgrades. From improving shortline infrastructure and port connections so critical products can get where they need to go faster to enhancing fencing along trespassing hotspots, this package will tangibly improve lives for millions of Americans," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "These improvements are all part of our efforts to rekindle a Golden Age of Rail in America."

"We've been working hard to build the safe, reliable 21st-century infrastructure needed to support Wisconsin's growing 21st-century economy and workforce, and we're excited to move this critical project forward to do just that," said Governor Tony Evers. "We're creating new passenger rail opportunities for folks to get to and from work, school, and other activities, all while creating 200 good-paying, family-supporting jobs that fuel our economy, and that's a win-win for Wisconsin. I'm grateful for all the good work Sen. Baldwin and the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have done to support essential projects like these across our state."

"Expanding passenger rail means more safe, easy ways for Wisconsinites to get to and from work or school, more tourists visiting our communities and supporting our Main Streets, and more good-paying jobs across our state," said Senator Tammy Baldwin. "I'm proud to have helped secure this investment to expand Amtrak service to more Wisconsin communities, connect folks to new opportunities, and give families and workers more reliable transportation options."

"I was proud to submit a letter of support for the Hiawatha West Project; I have steadfastly fought for federal funding for passenger rail. As gas prices keep going higher, providing more options to move between work and home and different parts of our state only makes more sense," said Representative Gwen Moore. "Expanding the Hiawatha will generate jobs and connect residents to major cities throughout our region, making it easier to travel for work or leisure. It will also make critical safety improvements that will help support long-term rail service. Between Hiawatha's existing successful service, the new booming Borealis service, Wisconsinites and others are showing that when we invest and build rail, they will come and use it. This is a major investment in improving rail transportation that will provide economic benefits to Milwaukee and our state, which is why I will continue working to ensure the federal government robustly funds passenger rail."