Wisconsin PIRG: HrSR generates jobs

Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group has issued a report stating that construction of “the proposed high speed rail line” running from Chicago to Milwaukee and Madison, Wis., would create 15,000 new jobs in the Badger State.

The overall Midwest region, according to the report, would see the creation of 57,000 new jobs.

“Building a high speed rail network will also boost the economy by creating construction, manufacturing, and operations jobs," the report said. "The Midwest is well positioned to see growth in rail-related manufacturing capacity.”

The rail would also be accessible to the majority of people in Wisconsin, according to WISPIRG. "The new high speed service created under the plan would place stations within 15 miles of 52% of Wisconsinites’ homes; 58% of the state’s workers would have a station within 15 miles of their workplace," the report said.

Efforts to promote higher speed rail in Wisconsin have encountered opposition from some officials as this year’s Election campaigns grow in intensity.