Wisconsin is well on its way to being interconnected with seven other Midwestern states through high-speed passenger rails.

In July, Gov. Jim Doyle announced an agreement with the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo to implement two Talgo train sets on the Hiawatha line between Milwaukee and Chicago and to establish new assembly and maintenance facilities in the state. These facilities will manufacture and deliver Talgo trains to other states as well.

The Talgo agreement also cites Wisconsin will purchase two more Talgo train sets if the state is able to put in a high-speed rail corridor between Milwaukee and Madison.

In late July, Doyle signed a Memorandum of Understanding with leaders from Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Ohio. The MOU allows these states to move forward and seek out funding for the project through the stimulus bill.

According to the MOU, the Midwestern rail network would include 3,000 miles of existing passages to connect cities in the seven states with high-speed rail trains capable of traveling upward of 110 mph. Chicago, the center of the freight rail system, will be the hub of the passenger rail system.

Ron Adams, chief of Railroads and Harbors Section at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, said the proposed high-speed rail improvements offer many benefits for the state.

“[High-speed rail] provides a travel mobility option for people who do not want to fly and it is more environmentally friendly,” Adams said. “People who need to can work as they travel and it gets more cars off the roads.”

According to Adams, there is no set date for beginning the project since the state has yet to obtain the necessary funding from the federal government. Adams said applications for the funding are due Oct. 2.

Adams added the majority of states have put in applications for a variety of project funding, so there is no guarantee Wisconsin will get the funding right away.

“There are 40 states that put in applications for various funding,” Adams said. “We think we are in a good position, but it’s a competitive field.”

If the state does not receive immediate funding, Adams said, the federal government will give the state a letter of intent for funding when it is available.

Kevin Benish, spokesperson for state Rep. Tamara Grigsby, D-Milwaukee, said Grigsby is very supportive of any opportunity Wisconsin has to enhance public transit.

“High-speed rail is a huge industry for the Midwest and Wisconsin is a regional leader in high speed rail opportunity,” Benish said.

Benish added Grigsby has been very involved in the project as she is a member of the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance.

But not everyone is thrilled with Doyle’s new plans. Transportation, Tourism, Forestry and Natural Resources Committee member Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, said this project is not fiscally responsible for the state and politicians should stop spending money the state does not have. He added high-speed rail would result in Badger Bus permanently paying gas tax to its competitor.