"Sad history of Talgo in Milwaukee" comes to an end, trains moving out

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee still has two high-speed trains that were at one point on track to connect three Midwestern cities. Now, we're learning those trains are on their way out of Milwaukee.

The Talgo trains were constructed for Wisconsin's now defunct high-speed rail service.

"This is one of the ending chapters of the history, the sad history of Talgo in the city of Milwaukee," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.

Mayor Barrett said within weeks, the trains will be leaving Milwaukee -- along with the last remnants of Talgo America.

"The city of Milwaukee's Redevelopment Authority has received notice that (Talgo) will be terminating its month-to-month lease -- that it's ending its operations here," Mayor Barrett said.

The lease will expire sometime during the next 60 days. The lease provided the city with $29,000 a month.

Mayor Barrett says the city's administration remains focused on continuing the redevelopment of a neighborhood known as "Century City."

"We've had interest from companies who are interested in locating there," Mayor Barrett said.

Later this year, Mayor Barrett says construction will begin on a 50,000-square-foot building, which will house an unidentified light manufacturing operation.

"I don't want anybody to think that we're throwing in the towel at this site, because -- to the contrary, we've been investing millions of dollars in this site," Mayor Barrett said.

Mayor Barrett says he's not certain where the trains are headed, but published reports indicate Michigan may be the destination.