Posted Wednesday, December 19, 2012 --- 12:03 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Proponents who have long lobbied for a freight rail line between Plymouth and Kohler finally have the funding to make it a reality.

State transportation officials have awarded $17 million for the 11-mile line, which has been out of service for more than two decades. Another $2 million needed to complete the line will come from public and private sources, including the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad.

The Sheboygan Press says the line's supporters see it as key to economic development in the area. The line connects to an existing route that could be used to ship goods around the country.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.