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Earlier this week, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle unveiled legislation that would create a Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SERTA) to oversee rail and bus improvements in the region, including a proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee (KRM) commuter-rail line.

The legislation would build on a regional transit framework the governor proposed in September 2009, and balance the transit needs of Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine, said Doyle in a prepared statement. The bill would establish a “truly regional” transit authority that’s solely focused on transportation; phase-in independent governance; provide transportation funding that offers “major” property-tax relief; and position the KRM line to obtain New Starts funding from the Federal Transit Administration, he said.

Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine initially would operate as sub-RTAs with varying sources of previously approved funding. The legislation would enable communities to join SERTA when they’re ready and provide incentive funding for joining the authority, said Doyle.

“We have the support of local communities, the support of legislators and the support of the state’s business leaders,” he said. “Now, let’s get to work and get it done.”