Amtrak’s new and popular Borealis line secured $38.6 million investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation, ensuring the route is fully funded for six years.
The federal DOT’s Restoration and Enhancement Grants program helps with operating costs for projects that establish, restore or enhance service on new, existing and former routes.
“Investing in commuter rail gives Wisconsinites and visitors alike more options to explore the Badger state, support our local economies, and visit their loved ones,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) said in a statement Thursday. “This investment doubles down on the success of Amtrak’s Borealis Service, reducing wear and tear on our roads, attracting new visitors, and bringing new business to our state.”
The daily roundtrip service from Chicago to Minneapolis-St. Paul launched in May of last year, making stops across Wisconsin, including Sturtevant, Milwaukee, Columbus, Portage, the Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, and La Crosse.
Within its first five months of service, the Borealis line attracted 100,000 riders, Amtrak announced in October.
More: Nearly $73 million approved for better Amtrak service between Milwaukee and Chicago
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Amtrak secures $38M in federal funding for Borealis line