Streetcars could soon carry passengers on a loopthrough downtown Milwaukee. After 17 years of discussions, fighting and negotiations, Congress has thrownits support behind the idea.
Senator Herb Kohl and Congressman Dave Obeyput a line in the federal omnibus spending bill to dedicate more than 55million dollars to a downtown rail line.
Supporters say a fixed railsystem stimulates economic development, while opponents say it costs too muchand isn't as flexible as busing. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett wanted thestreetcars, while County Executive Scott Walker was adamantly against the idea.