Feds pull high-speed rail funds from Wisconsin, Ohio

(CNN) - The Obama administration is pulling back $1.2 billion in funding for high-speed rail projects in Ohio and Wisconsin after the governors-elect in both states vowed to kill the proposed train lines.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that he would re-direct the funds to other states, with California set to receive the largest sum.

...

The incoming governors in Ohio and Wisconsin, both Republicans, had promised to kill high-speed rail projects in their states during their campaigns. Scott Walker, Wisconsin's governor-elect, had expressed hope that the $810 million in federal funds for a passenger rail link between Madison and Milwaukee could be shifted to other projects.

"When push came to shove, we were willing to invest in other things, including freight rail upgrades - but not a new line between Milwaukee and Madison that we don't want and can't afford in this state," Walker told CNN.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/09/feds-pull-high-speed-rail-funds-from-wisconsin-ohio/

Sinking the President is a rather strange agenda for a Governor, but it explains how partisan this state's politics have become.

Highway construction companies were among the heavy contributors to Walker's gubernatorial campaign so this is in part payback to them.

Additionally Madison & Milwaukee represent areas with Democratic majorities...spending money on areas that are democratic is problematic for the strongly partisan Walker. If this had been a Green Bay Milwaukee Chicago project it probably would have been allowed.

I hope the people of Wisconsin and Ohio give them hell.

I'd like to think Indiana might be able to get those funds - we have a large contingent who wants high speed rail, even though we have Daniels as governor.

During the Gov. Taft's administration

He is advocating for his motor industry and nothing else.