October 20, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri has issued the following statement about the federal Surface Transportation Board's decision to allow Wisconsin Central Ltd. to abandon the 37-mile line of railroad known as the Plymouth line, serving the communities of Fredonia, Random Lake, Adell, Waldo, Plymouth and Elkhart Lake:

"This announcement was not totally unexpected. I will continue to work with the state government and with the local communities to see what options are available to continue service.

"Clearly, rail service is important for the communities involved. This was demonstrated at an August hearing convened by the Surface Transportation Board in Random Lake at my request.

"I'm pleased that the state Department of Transportation is actively involved in examining options to continue service. I will do all that I can to move this forward in order to help keep Wisconsin businesses competitive and to save jobs."