Sept. 15, 2024 10:45a
(WGTD)---Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman sidestepped an issue that drew controversy at a recent Kenosha County Board meeting by neither signing nor vetoing a resolution in support of a commuter rail study.
The board voted to support a study that’s already underway to determine the viability of extending commuter rail from Kenosha to Milwaukee.
The concept has been around the decades—the issue has always been how to finance operating and capital costs.
The $5 million study—paid for by the federal government—is being administered by the City of Racine.
In a message to the county board, Kerkman said the resolution supporting the study should’ve included a referendum on commuter rail, something that was rejected by a board committee.
Racine Mayor Cory Mason said such a referendum now would be a case of putting the cart before the horse. "We haven't identified funding sources," Mason said. "I think calling for a referendum on something you don't even yet know what it is is a bit premature," he said.
Mason went on to say: "I think when the study is completed people will have a lot of their questions answered. And if there's resources to be considered then each jurisdiction that has a relevant stake in that will have a say in how they want to achieve that. It'll obviously be up to each jurisdiction."
Kerkman’s inaction means that the county board resolution in support of the study stands.
Opponents of the resolution feared that by passing it the county would somehow be drawn into financial support of commuter rail. Proponents said commuter rail could become another tool for economic development.
Mason had no timetable on just when the study will be completed. Two consulting companies are currently working on it.
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