Republicans want to block state money from Milwaukee streetcar 'boondoggle'

MADISON -- Wisconsin Assembly Republicans have "general consensus" to block state money from funding operational costs of future line expansions of the planned Milwaukee streetcar, Speaker Robin Vos said Tuesday.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has said the initial streetcar construction, which is estimated to cost $128.1 million, relies solely on federal and local money. Democrats called the GOP bill unnecessary.

Neither Barrett nor anyone from his administration attended a public hearing at the Capitol on Tuesday, leaving Republicans to characterize the streetcar as "a boondoggle" and "a white elephant" that will have significant cost overruns.

"I have no doubt whatsoever that they have the money up front to build it -- but it`s the long-term operating subsidies when this thing really becomes an albatross around taxpayers' necks," said Vos, (R-Rochester).

The streetcar's initial 2.5-mile route is tentatively scheduled to open in 2018. Jodie Tabak, a spokeswoman for Barrett, did not respond to FOX6 News' request on whether utility relocation, which had been scheduled for fall 2015, had begun.

The controversial streetcar is a major issue in the spring mayoral race because Barrett's two main opponents, aldermen Joe Davis and Bob Donovan, are critical of the project.

At Tuesday's public hearing, Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) defended city officials' ability to make decisions about the line.

"Leave Milwaukee alone," said Bowen, who added he was "on the fence" about the streetcar itself because of its small geographical footprint. "There`s an opportunity to allow Milwaukee's elected leaders to make decisions and the state not have to point the finger, the state not have to snub its nose at the direction they want to move into. It really is a waste of time."

Three out-state lawmakers are the primary sponsors of the legislation, which is Assembly Bill 562.

"We are concerned, as out-state taxpayers, because a lot of us already put our necks on the line earlier this year for the (Milwaukee) Bucks arena funding. I could justify that to my district," said Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum). "I can't (do that) with this."

Kremer said Wisconsin taxpayers were technically paying for part of the $69.1 million in federal TIGER grant money earmarked for the project.

The other $69 million in funding will come from three tax-incremental financing districts, according to the Milwaukee streetcar's website.

Myranda Tanck, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, said Senate Republicans had not met about the streetcar bill. She said they planned to before the spring legislative session.