U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Press Release

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces $14.2 Million in Federal Funding for Milwaukee Streetcar Lakefront Line

Baldwin Helped Secure TIGER Grant Investment from U.S. Department of Transportation

By - Oct 26th, 2015 02:12 pm
Milwaukee Streetcar.

Milwaukee Streetcar.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced that the City of Milwaukee has been awarded $14.2 million in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) for the Milwaukee Streetcar Lakefront Line. In May, Senator Baldwin sent a letter to U.S. DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx in support of the City of Milwaukee’s TIGER grant application for construction of the Milwaukee Streetcar Lakefront Line.

“This is a strong federal investment in 21st century Wisconsin infrastructure that will put people to work,” said Senator Baldwin. “The Milwaukee Streetcar will also help spur significant economic development and improve the quality of life for Milwaukee residents. I’m pleased to see this important project move forward and proud to have helped secure this investment in Milwaukee’s economy.”

“This critical federal grant for the Milwaukee Streetcar will bring thousands of residents and visitors to major attractions and new developments on Milwaukee’s lakefront,” Mayor Barrett said. “This announcement builds on the positive momentum we’re experiencing in the heart of the City and will also have a significant impact on our neighborhoods creating hundreds of construction jobs and better connecting our neighborhoods to downtown.”

“This major investment will further enhance Downtown Milwaukee’s recent renaissance, which includes $2.6 billion of public and private investment since 2005, and another $2.4 billion under construction or planned.”

“I greatly appreciate the support we’ve received for this grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Milwaukee’s congressional delegation and the dozens of business and community leaders who submitted letters of support for this major federal investment in Milwaukee’s economy and transportation network,” Mayor Barrett said.

The City of Milwaukee has already committed $15 million toward the funding of the .4-mile Lakefront Line.

Created by Congress in 2009, the TIGER grant program directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to invest in a variety of transportation modes and selects projects through a merit-based process. The grant program also ensures that projects across the country are funded and includes several provisions to balance the needs of urban and rural areas. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has been a strong supporter of TIGER funding, advocating for increased investment in the critical grant program.

The Line will link to the Phase 1 streetcar route and connect with major corporate employers, such as US Bank, Foley & Lardner, Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls, Artisan Partners, Robert W. Baird and Roundy’s Supermarkets. The line will also connect downtown’s central business district with numerous lakefront attractions, including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World science museum, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Lakeshore State Park and the Henry Maier Festival Park.

Streetcar Renderings

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

Buildings:

Recent Press Releases by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Senator Baldwin Delivers an Additional $50 Million for Community-Driven Projects

Direct support comes on heels of $211 million delivered to Wisconsin earlier this month

Baldwin, Braun Lead Bipartisan Bill to Ease Barriers to Farmland Ownership for Next Generation

Seniors aged 65 and older own more than 40% of the agricultural land in the United States and cost remains major barrier for next generation

Leave a Reply

You must be an Urban Milwaukee member to leave a comment. Membership, which includes a host of perks, including an ad-free website, tickets to marquee events like Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair and the Florentine Opera, a better photo browser and access to members-only, behind-the-scenes tours, starts at $9/month. Learn more.

Join now and cancel anytime.

If you are an existing member, sign-in to leave a comment.

Have questions? Need to report an error? Contact Us