The need for freight rail service to keep the Northwoods economy was driven home this week to the state Secretary overseeing the service.
Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb heard from local officials about the possible interruption in freight rail service through Rhinelander. County Economic Development Director Roger Luce showed an aerial map of several businesses on Highway 8 west that depend on rail service.
Later, Gottlieb said 'freight rail is always a challenge', but they're putting together a plan to keep service viable...
"....every time we can put a load of timber on a rail car instead of hauling it down the highway, that's good for everybody. That's good for our infrastructure, it's good for the timber industry. We want to be as supportive as we can, to make sure that service can be provided...."
Gottlieb says freight providers are private businesses and make their own decisions, but he thinks if all parties work together, it will benefit all. He cited the work of the Northwoods Rail Transit Commission, 22 counties in Wisconsin and U.P. working to preserve and expand freight rail service. On another topic, help is on the way for northern Wisconsin roads.
Governor Walker has dropped hints that he will be recommending shifting money to help repair crumbling rural roads.
Gottlieb says he's recommending more funds in general transportation aids...
".....which will go to every city, village and town in the state. We're increasing funding to a variety of other local programs. We're going to have the largest state highway rehabilitation budget in the history of the state.That is money that typically flows to rural,two-lane highways...."
Governor Walker will release his budget recommendations early next year.
