Kohl's to Add Electric Car Charging Stations at Stores

From an article in BizTimes:

"Menomonee Falls-based Kohl's Department Stores today announced the company will expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging station initiative with 36 new stations across 18 additional Kohl's locations by the end of fall 2012.

The expansion spans three new states, including Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, and adds additional locations to the company's Texas EV program.

With the expansion, Kohl's shoppers will be able to take advantage of a total of 101 charging stations at 52 Kohl's locations across 14 states. Each of the participating Kohl's locations will have two or three parking spaces reserved for EV drivers to charge at no cost while they shop.

The new locations in Wisconsin will include: one station at Kohl's headquarters in Menomonee Falls; two stations at the Menomonee Falls Credit Center; two stations at Bayshore in Glendale; three stations at Madison West; and two stations in Johnson Creek."

Read the full article here.

Appleton bus service in jeopardy if budget-repair bill is passed

From an article by Larry Sandler in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The Appleton-area bus system could shut down by the end of May if the Legislature approves a budget-repair bill that slices public employees' collective bargaining rights, Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna warned Wednesday.

Reducing bargaining rights for transit workers would lead the federal government to cut off $46.6 million in aid to Wisconsin bus systems, including $2.5 million to Valley Transit, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau and the Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association.

The impact on bus systems would vary, depending on their structure and the timing of their labor contracts and federal grants.

The Assembly on Wednesday tabled an amendment to exempt transit workers from the union changes.

Gov. Scott Walker's budget-repair legislation would boost pension and health care contributions for most state and local government and school district employees and prohibit their unions from bargaining on anything except wages. Police officers, firefighters, deputy sheriffs and state troopers would be exempt from those changes.

Federal law, however, requires transit workers' bargaining rights to remain intact to receive federal transit aid. The bill would not affect bargaining rights or federal aid at the Milwaukee County Transit System and most suburban bus systems because they are operated by private companies.

But the bill would affect other bus systems run by public employees, the fiscal bureau and the transit association say. Valley Transit - which carries about 1 million riders a year to work, school and elsewhere - could be the first to fall because of its complex funding structure, Hanna said.

Valley Transit funds its $7.8 million annual budget from six municipalities, four towns, three counties, the state and federal governments and passenger fares, but "the funding is so intertwined that when you pull out a major piece of it, the whole thing starts to fall apart," Hanna said.

Green Bay-area residents urge bill to support regional transit

From an article by Charles Davis in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

DE PERE — Green Bay area residents urged local legislators Tuesday night to draft a state bill in support of a regional transit authority.

"I truly believe we need access to buses, trains and everything we need to get around our communities," said state Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber, D-Appleton, during a forum at the Kress Family Branch of the Brown County Library.
State law does not permit the formation of such transit authorities, but legislation circulating around the Assembly would allow for such an authority in the Fox Cities area, Schaber said.

The Green Bay area population is expected to exceed 200,000 when the 2010 U.S. Census is tabulated. Starting in 2012, this "critical mass" will result in the loss of more than $550,000 in federal aid for the Green Bay Metro system that will force the local area to fill the gaps, Schaber said. Sending a possible sales tax increase to referendum could generate the money after the authority is established, she added.

About 100 people attended the forum and questioned rising gas prices and environmental benefits. Schaber urged those in favor of a transit authority to call and write letters to representatives of the state Senate.

Cathy Putman of Allouez worked on a recent transportation study and said it takes riders about an hour and a half to travel from only De Pere to Ashwaubenon.
"It's just really clear the current transit system in Green Bay is inadequate, and we know that because of funding. We have to move forward in some fashion," she said.

Hearing on Fox Valley transit authority, March 11, Madison

A public hearing regarding Assembly Bill 734, relating to the creation of a Fox Cities regional transit authority.

Assembly Committee on Transportation
March 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM.
Room 412 East

Fox Valley transit forum, tonight, March 9

From a news release issued by several organizations:

The Transit Forum in De Pere will attract businesses, individuals and agencies expressing a desire to increase mobility, access and transportation choices in their communities. In the Fox Cities area, over 15 letters of support for forming a Fox Valley Regional Transit Authority have been received from a variety of county, city, town and other local sources. In the Green Bay Metro service area, six resolutions supporting the formation of a Greater Green Bay Regional Transit Authority have been passed by City councils or Village boards.

“The future of transit in this region is in jeopardy,” stated Joyce McCollum, League of Women Voters of Greater Green Bay, the Forum moderator. “The 2010 federal census is expected to exceed 200,000 population for Appleton and Green Bay. Future federal transit funds will then only be available for capital purchases but not for transit operations.”

Federal funds available to cities over 200,000 in population can be used for capital purchases, like buses, but not for transit operations, like driver salaries and fuel. Paul Linzmeyer, NEW North Sustainability Chair and a Forum panelist, will explain the importance of Regional Transit Authorities in the Fox Cities and Green Bay Metro Areas in creating jobs, spurring development and economic growth, and attracting and retaining businesses and investors. This dynamic region has a bright future, but needs to continue to build and strengthen transportation connections with other economic centers. . . .

The Forum is a collaborative effort of NEW North Sustainability Committee, League of Women Voters, Sierra Club, WISPIRG, Valley Transit, Green Bay Metro and others.

WHAT:
Forum: Transportation Choices for the Fox Cities and Greater Green Bay Areas

WHEN:
Tuesday March 9th, 2010
5:45 pm. – 7:45 pm.

WHERE:
DePere Kress Family Branch library
333 N. Broadway
DePere, WI

SPEAKERS:
Panel of local leaders on public transit, transportation choices and the need for a Regional Transit Authority.
Paul Linzmeyer, NEW North Sustainability Chair
State Representative Penny Bernard Schaber, 57th District
Brown County Executive Tom Hintz

Discussion on Fox Valley transit options, March 9

Tuesday 9 March
5.45 pm to 7.45
De Pere Branch Library
333 N Broadway

The Sierra Club, WISPIRG, and Save Green Bay Transit are sponsoring a discussion of broader Transportation Options for the Fox Valley and Brown County including discussion of the Fox Valley Regional Transit Authority proposal currently in the Legislature.

Green Bay Transit Alliance meeting, Feb. 23

An announcement from the Green Bay Transit Alliance:

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Meeting will be held:
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
at 5:45pm in the Green Bay Transit Commission Room At Green Bay Metro

Meeting Topics Include:
+ Presentation on the impact of transit on the community, and low income families.
+ Possible future funding cuts to Metro
+ Options available to save Green Bay Metro and transit service

Local leaders will be invited to attend as well

Green Bay Metro will lose $550,000 - $2.6 million in funding after Jan 1st, 2013 after the Green bay Area population exceeds 200,000. That means no more night service, Saturday service, half (peak) hour service, and large fare increases. You can help keep this from happening! Join the Green Bay Transit Alliance at our meeting and find out what you can do to Save Green Bay Metro. You can save Metro!

Guest Speakers include:
Dr. David Littig
Chris Phelps, Green Bay Metro, Transit Director

Free coffee and snacks served at our meeting!

It's time for Legislature to act on RTAs

From an editorial in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

The state Legislature can ignore the issue of regional transit authorities, but the problems aren't going to go away.

Regional transit authorities are governmental bodies established to promote regional cooperation on transportation issues. In the Fox Cities, Valley Transit is facing the loss of most of its federal funding — between $1.5 million and $2 million a year, or about 20 percent of its budget.

After the 2010 U.S. census is taken, the Fox Cities urban area is expected to exceed 200,000 in population. Federal law says that, once an urban area reaches that population, most its federal funding will be eliminated.

That's going to cause a serious problem for Valley Transit, as well as its customers, who for the most part are people who really need public transportation to lead active, productive lives.

An RTA, which has the power to levy up to a half-percent sales tax, could replace the lost federal funding. To make up $1.5 million, though, the tax would only need to be one-tenth of a percent — one cent on every $10 purchase.
A couple of misguided attempts to set up a Fox Cities RTA as part of the state budget failed. But a better solution is for the Legislature to pass a bill that sets up a framework by which regions can approve and set up their own RTAs to meet their unique needs.

This is a problem in the Fox Cities, but not only the Fox Cities. Green Bay is in the same situation, and other smaller metropolitan areas of the state could be, too.

Sheboygan gets $2.1M in stimulus money buses

From an article by Josh Lintereur in the Sheboygan Press:

The City of Sheboygan will receive $2.1 million in economic stimulus funds to purchase five 35-foot buses, two support vehicles and other equipment, the U.S. Department of Transportation said today.

The money is part of $27.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds that were awarded for transit improvements in Wisconsin.

“These funds are creating jobs now, while investing in the future of our transit systems,” Peter Rogoff, administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, said in a written news release. “The public’s demand for transit service continues to grow, and these dollars will help meet that need.”

When applying for the federal transportation funds earlier this year, City of Sheboygan officials said they would like to replace five buses that are more than 20 years old with new 35-foot, low-floor models that hold 25 passengers each. The buses would also be air-conditioned and have lower emissions than the ones being replaced.

Appleton launches Valley Transit upgrades with $1.5M stimulus boost

From an article by Kara Patterson in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

APPLETON — The city of Appleton has received $1.5 million in federal stimulus dollars for public transportation upgrades, with one project, the replacement of the Valley Transit building's roof, already under way. . . .

Other Valley Transit bus system capital projects covered by these funds include:

•Purchasing three small hybrid buses that have wheelchair tie-down sections and run on an alternative or alternatives to diesel fuel.

•Upgrading fare boxes to a computerized system that frees drivers from having to manually count fares and track types of rides.

•Remodeling the downtown transit center to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

•Enhancing bus stop signs to include route numbers and times.
Also in Wisconsin, Eau Claire received $2 million for transit upgrades.

Fox Valley leaders seek new way to create regional transit authority

From an article by Steve Wideman in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

APPLETON — State government's refusal to authorize formation of a Fox Cities regional bus transit system only cements local resolve to create the system, Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna said.

Gov. Jim Doyle on Monday signed into law a two-year, $62 billion state budget more notable for its exclusions than accomplishments in the eyes of local transit system managers.

The budget, which levies a new 75-cent tax on cigarettes and a 75-cent monthly fee on all phone users, does not include necessary state authorization for Fox Cities communities to form a regional bus transportation system and levy a local sales tax to replace the anticipated loss of millions of dollars in federal aid.

Hanna said municipal leaders plan nonetheless to forge ahead and convince state legislators to approve a bill pending in the state Senate. Senate Bill 205 enables creation of regional transit systems statewide and sales taxes of up to 0.05 cents, or one half of 1 percent, to at least partially fund operations.

We're not on board with train travel

From an editorial in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

If gas prices tripled and quadrupled, train travel might make sense.

If traffic and congestion were stifling, train travel might make sense.

If we could easily get to wherever we wanted to go after getting off a train, train travel might make sense.

If trains were fast enough to overcome all their other inconveniences, train travel might make sense.

If we somehow no longer cared about the freedom to drive wherever and whenever we wanted to, train travel might make sense.

Do you get where we're headed here?

A group of passenger rail advocates called NEWRails seeks to re-establish passenger rail service between Milwaukee and Green Bay by 2011. It suggests that Amtrak establish a pilot route, with stops in Appleton, Neenah and Menasha.

Travelers going to Milwaukee could connect with other trains going to Chicago. The train would travel as fast as 79 mph, using the current Canadian National tracks.

Proponents say that, if enough people ride the train, it'll be an overall fuel-saver. The project would cost $125 million, expected to come from federal funds, to upgrade the tracks and signals.

As noble as the effort is, we're extremely skeptical about its chances for success in today's times. It's just too easy, convenient and cheap for people to drive. The train would be less easy, less convenient and less cheap. That's a deal-breaker.

Advocates push for passenger rail route through Fox Valley

From an article by Steve Wideman in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

APPLETON — Local passenger rail advocates want Amtrak to establish an experimental passenger train route between Chicago and Green Bay.

Bringing passenger trains back to the Fox Valley would connect this area to the world economy and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of travelers, said a spokesman for NEWRails, a group dedicated to renewing passenger rail service after a 39-year absence.

"We could transport people from here and get them connected to Chicago, one of the biggest economic engines in the country and the world. That's an incredibly powerful thing to have," said Paul Linzmeyer, president of NEWRails and a founder of New North, an economic development consortium of 18 northeastern Wisconsin counties.

The last passenger train traveled through the Fox Valley on April 30, 1971.

"What if Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics? If we had a passenger rail system in northeast Wisconsin we could be a part of that whole venue," Linzmeyer said.

NEWRails leaders brought their rail travel wish list to Appleton last week, including a plan to convince state transportation leaders to ask federal officials to approve an experimental Amtrak route on existing Canadian National Railway tracks with local stops in Appleton, Neenah and Menasha, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.

Students to rally for high speed rail

From a news release issued by WISPIRG:

While many students head home, start their summer jobs, or begin long vacations, some students in the WISPIRG Student Chapters are hitting the road in support of high speed rail. Forty students will travel next week from Green Bay to Milwaukee to Madison to La Crosse over four days to show support for Wisconsin’s proposed high speed rail route.

President Obama seeks to connect our cities in “priority corridors” (including the Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison-Twin Cities route) with high speed rail. Congress this year passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will spend $8 billion for high speed rail on projects that have not yet been determined. Governor Doyle and WISDOT Secretary Busalacchi are advocating to bring high speed rail to Wisconsin; they are seeking Recovery funds to connect Madison and Milwaukee with intercity rail as part of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, a nine-state project that would connect over 100 Midwestern cities and link the region’s major economic centers. Doing so will give us more transportation choices, alternatives to lengthy airport delays, and reduced dependence on oil, while helping to rebuild our economy. Wisconsin would especially benefit because it is perfectly situated in the corridor connecting Chicago to the Twin Cities.

Enthusiasm for the project among students and other young people is infectious. At most stops students are planning a short bike route through each town to the location of the media event. WISPIRG students will wear matching t-shirts and carry a giant map of the proposed train route. Events will also include a human-powered train with many people, much like a Chinese dragon costume.

Come join us to show support for bringing high speed rail to Wisconsin!

Monday, May 25
10am Green Bay - National Railroad Museum
1pm Appleton - Houdini Plaza, downtown Appleton
3pm Oshkosh - Opera House Square

Tuesday, May 26
10am Milwaukee - Downtown Transit Center
1pm Brookfield - Town Hall
3pm Oconomowoc - Maxims, 115 E. Collins St.

Regional transit authority for Fox Cities gets state budget panel OK

From a story by Scott Bauer in The Capital Times:

The Legislature's budget committee on Friday approved a plan to use a mixture of higher sales taxes and car rental fees to pay for high-speed rail and other transit projects in the two most populated parts of the state.

The measures, part of the two-year state budget, must pass the full Legislature and be approved by Doyle before it becomes law.

In Dane County, a half-cent sales tax could be imposed to pay for commuter rail and other transit projects.

In Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties up to $16 could be charged on car rentals to pay for a commuter rail line connecting the three southeastern Wisconsin cities. A new board created to oversee the rail line's construction also could levy $50 million in bonds to help pay for it. The project has been discussed for years but always stalled over ways to pay for it.

Also, Milwaukee County would be allowed to impose a 1 percent sales tax to pay for a countywide regional transit authority. The $132 million raised each year would pay for transit, parks, cultural and emergency medical services. Fifteen percent would go to the city of Milwaukee.

On a 9-7 vote, the committee voted against Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to create a regional transit authority in the Fox Cities to help pay for the existing regional bus system using up to half a cent sales tax. . . .

Commuter rail supporters include environmentalists, business groups, organized labor and local governments, and organizations representing the disabled and elderly. They supported commuter rail to ease congestion, create jobs and spur economic development.

From an article by Steven Wideman in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

APPLETON — A one-half percent sales tax could fund operation of a regional bus service and the expansion of passenger rail in the state.

But more important, money raised through a sales tax much smaller than one-half percent could replace the $1.5 million Valley Transit stands to lose in the near future, Mayor Tim Hanna said.

Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed 2009-11 state budget includes a provision allowing the formation of regional transit authorities in the Fox Cities, Dane County and portions of southeastern Wisconsin.

Doyle's plan, if approved by legislators, knocks down legal barriers to forming and funding regional transit systems, said Valley Transit general manager Deborah Wetter.

"It is critical. This is potentially our shot to sit down as a region and think (about) what we want to do," Wetter said of exploratory talks to form a mass transit system including the Fox Cities, Oshkosh and Green Bay.

Doyle's proposal allows regional transit authorities to impose up to a one-half percent sales tax for mass transit, including fixed and specialized bus routes, disabled rider services and passenger rail, said Jason Kakatsch, principal transportation planner with the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.

Doyle's proposed legislation does not force Fox Cities communities to join in a regional transit group, Kakatsch said.

A second proposal, drafted by a special committee of the Legislature's Study Council, also calls for using a one-half cent sales tax to fund mass transit, but the legislative proposal allows formation of regional transit authorities across the state.

Details of both proposals, including anticipated revenues from a sales tax, will be discussed during a hearing, open to the public, before the Fox Cities Area Regional Transit Authority Study Committee beginning at 10:30 a.m. April 23 at the Menasha Public Library, 440 First St.

Wisconsin ridesharing Web site goes statewide

A news release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:

Any commuter in Wisconsin who would like to find someone to “share the ride” to work, may now access the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT’s) interactive ride matching service online. A program that was originated several years ago for residents of the heavily populated southeastern region of the state is now available statewide.

“We are pleased to offer this interactive service to commuters across the state,” said WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi. “Ridesharing saves money for commuters, reduces the number of cars on the road during the busiest hours of the day and reduces pollution from car exhaust. Now, commuters in areas that are faced with some of the longest commutes will have an equal opportunity to find carpool matches.”

Karen Schmiechen, program manager for the Wisconsin Rideshare Program, said the program is easy to use, free and without obligation. Commuters enter their commute information and immediately receive matches for carpooling, vanpooling, park and ride lots and even biking. The computer shows matches with similar commutes and work hours. Bikers are also matched by level of expertise. Users make their own contacts with matches to set up ridesharing arrangements.

The program was computerized two years ago, and has become so popular WisDOT decided to make it available to all state residents.

Wisconsin is one of many states and municipalities across the country offering this service. As gasoline prices fluctuate, and the economy remains unstable, ridesharing is a viable alternative, saving dollars and the environment.

For more information go to the state’s Rideshare Web site.

April 2 meeting features transportation plan discussion

The April 2nd meeting of ECOS-FV will feature a presentation and discussion on:

The Five Year Transportation Plan (TDP) for the Fox Valley
By Deborah Wetter, General Manager of Valley Transit
& Jason Kakatsch, Principal Transpration Planner of the East Central Regioanl Planning Commission

Date: Thursday, April 2nd
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Place: Menasha Public Library, on the corner of Racine and First Streets
Room: Company E Room in the lower level
Admission: Free and Open to the Public
Doors to Open at 6:00 PM

The plan formation that they will discuss included a number of community surveys and several public meetings which gathered input from the community which they will share with us.

They will also review the status of the current discussions with the Menasha area communities around exploration for more flexible service options. The questions and answers portion of the evening with the community at large will be your chance to present constructive suggestions and ideas for planning consideration.

Please address any questions about the event to Roger Kanitz, Co-Chair ECOS-FV at 920-722-6438.

Planning commission seeks public input on Valley Transit Development Plan

Valley Transit and the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission will be providing several opportunities for public input on the Valley Transit Development Plan. This plan evaluates the current transit services and proposes recommendations for improved service over the next 5 years. These public input opportunities will begin with a short presentation on the draft plan, followed by a question and comment period.

Wed, March 11th at 5:30 PM, at Appleton Library, Lower level meeting room, 225 North Oneida St, Appleton, 54911

Mon, March 16th at 3:30 PM, at Fox Valley Tech, room A160 (use entrance 15), 1825 North Bluemound Dr, Appleton, 54912

Thurs, March 19th at 1:30 PM, at Appleton City Hall, Room 6A/B, 100 North Appleton St, Appleton, 54911

Copies of the draft plan can be viewed on internet at:
http://www.eastcentralrpc.org.

Written input and comments can be sent to staff@eastcentralrpc.org.

Solutions For Greater Menasha’s Energy Challenges, March 10

The Sustainability Boards of both the Town and City of Menasha invite you to attend a Town Hall style meeting so you can hear what has been accomplished and what projects are being envisioned, and too for the Boards to hear your thoughts on how to improve the viability of our communities; like:

• Providing Healthy Foods at Farmer Markets
• Reducing Home Energy Costs with Conservation Assistance
• Developing Improved Busing, Biking, and Walking Systems
• Reducing Energy Costs at the Community Pool

Please come and find out what else is happening and how you can be a part of developing the solutions and their implementation! Your participation and input is critical!
Place: Heckrodt Nature Preserve
Address: 1305 Plank Road, Menasha
Date: March 10th
Time: 6:30 PM till 8:00 PM
Charge: Event is FREE and open to all

The format for the evening will be for each board take 15 to 20 minutes to present what it has accomplished and what it is projecting to undertake to help guide community improvement and economic viability with the help of the principle of sustainable decision making.

Opportunities for how you as citizens can be part of this adventure will be presented. The meeting will then be opened up for discussion with the assembly at large, inviting questions, comments and idea sharing for the common good of our combined communities!

Don Merkes (City Mayor): “The shift to a more sustainable way of living is dependent on a vibrant democratic process. Citizen participation is crucial to the development of creative sustainability solutions, not only through contributions to decision-making but also through attitude and behavioral change. Working together with citizens on the path to sustainability government can collaborate; providing leadership, resources, and legitimacy. What could, or should, Menasha be like next century and beyond?”

George Dearborn (Director of Community Development for the Town): “The Town of Menasha Sustainability Committee recognized on its inception that continuing current community growth is not sustainable in the long term. We need to develop a plan for the community that builds upon present accomplishments while following the practice of creating a sustainable future. Creating a sustainable future will ensure the long term health and economic well being of Town of Menasha and the entire Fox Valley.”