WisBusiness: State officials applaud Republic Airways plans for Milwaukee hub

By WisBusiness Staff

An announcement from Republic Airways that the company plans to establish a major airline hub in Milwaukee and create 800 jobs drew praise from state elected officials.

“We worked hard in our last budget to move Wisconsin forward towards a strong recovery that continues our commitment to Wisconsin businesses and will create jobs and lead to future growth. Today’s announcement would have not been possible without those efforts,” Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement.

Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville, said the Republic Airways expansion “is proof positive that the business-boosting programs and incentives Assembly Democrats approved earlier this year are helping to stabilize and strengthen Wisconsin’s economy.”

Milwaukee Co. Exec. Scott Walker also hailed the news.

“I gave Republic CEO Bryan Bedford my personal commitment to run a quality and cost-effective airport,” said Walker, a Republican candidate for governor. “Our rates are much lower than the national average and our passenger levels are growing.”