WI AB219

Creates a Rail Infrastructure Modernization Credit equal to 50% of qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures (new track, switches, spurs, sidings, loading docks, transloading structures), capped at $2,000,000 per approved application, available for taxable years 2026-2030.

Creates a Rail Infrastructure Maintenance Credit equal to 50% of qualified short line railroad maintenance expenditures, capped at $5,000 per mile of railroad track owned or leased in Wisconsin, available for taxable years 2026-2030.

Eligible claimants include Class II or Class III railroads operating in Wisconsin, owners or lessees of rail sidings/industrial spurs, and local governments; certification is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation on a first-come, first-served basis.

The modernization credit program is limited to $10,000,000 in total tax benefits allocated per calendar year statewide.

Both credits allow unused balances to be carried forward for 5 years and permit credits to be sold or transferred to other Wisconsin taxpayers, subject to department approval.