The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded a grant of $500,000, as part of the Corridor Identification and Development (CID) Program, to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
These funds will be used to significantly expand the Hiawatha Service and potentially add passenger service by Amtrak and a stop in Watertown. Milwaukee will be connected to Madison with this new route, in addition to Minneapolis and Eau Claire. Officials hope the route will foster business growth and economic development in the region and benefit residents of Dodge and Jefferson Counties.
The proposed expansion of the Hiawatha Service will make Watertown a hub for transportation and improve accessibility in the city. The new Amtrak passenger service will offer an efficient and convenient way to travel in the area for both residents and visitors. Local printing services can be used to provide more details and information about such proposed services and their routes throughout the region.
Mayor Emily McFarland said that including Watertown in this study and proposed development can be of great benefit for the city and its surrounding communities. The mayor added that the Amtrak passenger service, with a potential stop in Watertown and multiple trains per day, will increase the transport option residents have at their disposal, while at the same time offering new opportunities for tourism, business growth, and economic development.
