Governor Doyle Opens New Milwaukee Intermodal Train Station

$17 Million Project Creates New Economic Gateway to Milwaukee


 


MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle joined U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and other state and local officials and business leaders today for the grand reopening of the downtown Milwaukee Intermodal Station.  The new station is the result of a $17 million transformation of the downtown Milwaukee Amtrak station into a modern intermodal facility that will serve as the economic gateway to Milwaukee. 


 


“Today we are celebrating the completion of a new project; one that we know will have a positive effect not only for this station, but for the city of Milwaukee and Wisconsin, as well,” Governor Doyle said.  “The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is already providing travelers with a stunning gateway to wherever Amtrak and our intercity bus partners go.”


 


The new intermodal facility will serve Amtrak Hiawatha Service and Empire Builder trains as well as Greyhound, Lamers, Wisconsin Coach and Indian Trails bus lines.  Milwaukee County Transit and local taxi companies also provide service to the station.


 


Governor Doyle thanked Senator Kohl and Congresswoman Moore for helping secure about $7.4 million in federal funds for the project.  The city of Milwaukee provided $6 million, and the state of Wisconsin over $528,000.  Milwaukee Intermodal Partners, which is managing the new facility, contributed nearly $3 million to the remodeling effort. 


 


“This station is a testament to what happens when federal, state and local officials work together,” Senator Kohl said at the ribbon cutting.  “For myself, and all the residents of Milwaukee, this station will be a source of pride.  For visitors, it will serve as a reflection of our forward-looking, vibrant city.”


 


“This is such great news for Milwaukee and its communities – this project has improved our transportation infrastructure, which will help promote economic growth and lessen congestion in our area,” Congresswoman Moore said. “These renovations and upgrades will help to keep the Milwaukee area competitive in a global economy and provide new jobs for local workers. I am proud to have worked together with Senator Kohl to secure the important federal funds that brought this project to fruition.”


 


“I am proud of our partnership in this project to add a dynamic transportation gateway to Wisconsin in the state’s largest city, offering visitors yet another stunning impression of Milwaukee,” said Mayor Barrett.  “At the same time, the station is the heart of a new comprehensive transit vision for Milwaukee.  This vision will utilize multiple modes of transportation, connect nearly 30,000 workers to jobs, boost development across the City, and upgrade and modernize the region’s transit system.”


 


Along with the construction of a new three-story, glass-enclosed galleria and other exterior renovations, the interior of the remodeled facility features a new lobby area serving Amtrak and intercity bus customers, as well as restaurant and other retail business opportunities.  The second and third floors were also refurbished for new tenants, including the new State Traffic Operations Center.  A new parking area has also been provided. 


 


Some 22 minority or women-owned disadvantaged business firms were involved in over $3 million of the renovation work.  


 


Milwaukee Intermodal Partners, LLC, is managing the facility through a lease with WisDOT.


 


C.G. Schmidt of Milwaukee was the general contractor for the project.  Eppstein-Uhen Architects of Milwaukee was the architect. The original building opened in 1965.