Scott Walker, the Governor-elect in Wisconsin, has been the poster child of the anti-high speed rail movement. Since he’s been elected, he’s made numerous attempts to scuttle the rail line that would link Madison and Milwaukee.

But now, several people in the state are speaking out in favor of the endangered project.

Today at noon, labor activists and supporters are planning a rally in Milwaukee at the manufacturing plant of train maker Talgo Inc, reports AP.

They are worried that Walker’s opposition to the project would threaten jobs, and hurt the state’s economic recovery.

In fact, company officials at Talgo, which was scheduled to start running in a few weeks, said the factory could leave Wisconsin if Walker’s efforts to stop the train project are successful.

Wisconsin received $810 million from the federal government to build the train line, but Walker says the state cannot afford the maintenance costs — and has vowed to return the money or use it for other purposes.

“We think given the jobs crisis here and the need for jobs, we think it is silly for Wisconsin to toss it away,” said Robert Kraig of Citizen’s Action of Wisconsin to TMJ4.

“Other states are lining up to get the money. Wisconsin will have very little contribution. It’s a pittance compared to what we spend on roads.” It’s going to cost us a lot of money. You’d have to give $100 million back to the federal government. We would lose money and lose other jobs for public services. This is the kind of transportation hub that would draw businesses to Wisconsin.”

States like Illinois and New York have already pitched the federal government for the money, if Wisconsin doesn’t want it.

“It’s the height of irresponsibility to ship jobs over to places like Illinois, New York,” said Graeme Zielinski of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, to TMJ4.

The rally comes at the same time as a new study from the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG) that shows that high-speed rail can boost the state’s economy, save energy, curb pollution and provide a popular alternative to congested roads and airports.

Based on the experience of high-speed rail lines abroad, as well as “America’s limited experience with high-speed rail on the East Coast”, the study finds that the U.S. can expect several benefits from investing in a high-speed passenger rail system. Here are some of the findings:

1. High-speed rail systems has been able to dramatically reduce the volume of short-haul flights between nearby cities and significantly reduce inter-city car travel. In the United States, similar shifts would ease congestion on the roads and in the skies, reducing the need for expensive new investments in highways and airports.

2. High-speed rail saves energy and protects the environment. In the United States, high-speed rail could cut our dependence on oil while helping to reduce air pollution and curb global warming.

3. High-speed rail is safe and reliable. In the United States, reliable service via high-speed rail could be an attractive alternative to oft-delayed intercity flights and travel on congested freeways.

4. High-speed rail can create jobs and boost local economies. A U.S. high-speed rail system could help position the nation for economic success in the 21st century while creating short-term jobs in construction and long-term jobs in ongoing maintenance and operation.

5. Properly planned high-speed rail can encourage sustainable land-use and development patterns. In the United States, focusing new development around high-speed rail stations can reduce pressure to develop in far-flung areas, reducing other infrastructure costs such as for sewers and electricity.

Instead of politicizing every battle, our politicians need to come up with solutions that are going to help our country move ahead. Our infrastructure is crumbling, public transportation barely connects most of our cities — and yet we’re stuck behind decisions based on political motives.

Outside of Wisconsin, major high speed rail initiatives in Ohio and Florida are also up in limbo right now. In Jersey, Republican Governor Christie has already canceled the ARC project that would have connected New Jersey and New York, because he said the state couldn’t pony up any money for the train line, beyond the federal stimulus funds.

Similarly in Ohio, John Kasich has threatened to end the construction of the train line connecting Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, and is likely to return the $400 million in federal funds back to the government. Republican Rick Scott in Florida isn’t entirely opposed to rail, but will only move forward with it if his state doesn’t have to pay anything towards it.

To make matters worse, long-standing Congressman and Transportation Committee chair Jim Oberstar of Minnesota’s likely replacement Republican John Mica has clearly said that he would reconsider the $10 billion federal grants being given out to high-speed train service. Unlike, the rest in his party, Mica said he may still agree to high speed rail, but focus the initiatives on the North East where populations are more dense.

Ironically, a recent survey found that almost 62 percent of Americans wanted high speed rail in the country.

Clearly, our politicians only seem to be listening to themselves.

If you’re in the Wisconsin area — we encourage you to fight for HSR!