Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) personnel are espousing the benefits of the state’s transportation investments, which resulted in bridge repairs and road resurfacing statewide.
“For the second straight budget, Gov. (Tony) Evers’ administration prioritizes fixing what we have,” Craig Thompson, WisDOT secretary-designee, said. “The State Highway Rehabilitation Program, which provides funding for the state to repair our two-lane state highways and bridges, receives an increase of approximately $19 million in the biennium, and general transportation aid is up two percent in both 2022 and 2023.”
Thompson noted last year, WisDOT completed 375 projects throughout the state, staying on schedule during the pandemic. Due to decreased traffic, the agency was able to finish many of the projects ahead of schedule and under budget.
“The governor’s proposed budget also responds to the transportation needs of people and businesses that depend on mobility options other than roads and private vehicles,” Thompson concluded. “It increases funding for local transit systems, creates a $10 million fund for replacement of buses, and makes it easier for transit systems to expand their boundaries and serve more people. There is no greater barrier to employment than not being able to get to work reliably.”
Per Thompson, the proposed 2021-2023 budget makes smart spending decisions while continuing to repair the transportation system that will advance the state’s economy.