It's time for Madisonians to let it all out in support of high-speed rail. Tonight the Department of Transportation is hosting a forum on the project at 5 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 4402 East Washington Ave. And Mayor Dave wants you there and reminds you that the location has CHANGED from the previous meeting spot on Wright St.
Madison should represent the most pro-train reception after meetings in La Crosse, Eau Claire and Fond du Lac. Nevertheless, there will still be an anti-train crowd.
CORRECTION. As loyal Sconz reader and high-speed rail advocate Andy Olsen has indicated on facebook, the meeting actually is part of an ongoing discussion of Milwaukee-to-Minnesota rail options. I previously stated that the meeting would only address the Madison-to-Milwaukee link.
It will be interesting to see if there's any discussion of Mayor Dave's proposal that Madison pick up part of the operating costs if the state will not. Yesterday the mayor answered that the city would absolutely pursue such an option, although he remains unsure of the amount it is willing to pledge.
Nevertheless, Meanwhile, more and more states are licking their chops at the rail money that might leave Wisconsin. Vermont is the most recent petitioner. Follow The Sconz on Twitter or Facebook to get regular updates on city and state politics. Please send anonymous tips, interview requests or any other comments to jcraver@isthmus.com.