About Us
For more than 85 years, the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association has served its members through state and federal advocacy, industry expertise, and a commitment to problem solving. Every day, WTBA works to build a stronger Wisconsin economy by ensuring sufficient, sustainable transportation funding, regulatory clarity, and projects that shape a safe and reliable transportation system for the entire state.
Association FAQs
Safety
Safety is an integral part of the entire transportation construction industry, and it begins with our contractor partners. That’s why we work closely with OSHA and dedicate an entire committee to safety on Wisconsin roads.
Job Creation
By building our infrastructure on roads and highways across the state, we’re also building the number of jobs available in Wisconsin. With over 9,000 people employed in the transportation construction industry statewide, it’s vital for many hard-working families to keep construction moving forward.
Growing Business
In 2022, more than $389 billion of freight moved throughout Wisconsin on our freeways, highways, and roads. Wisconsin has a stronger economy and can attract more business when we have reliable transportation system.
270+ Company Members
Contractors, engineers, design professionals and more have a seat at the table when it comes to multimillion dollar state infrastructure investments, plans, and projects thanks to WTBA
Why Join
Advocacy
WTBA provides members with a critical connection between our industry and lawmakers who vote on the funding, rules, and regulations that impact it. WTBA is extremely active throughout each stage of the biennial budget process in Wisconsin, ensuring lawmakers understand the importance of investing in the transportation system.
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Education
WTBA staff includes experts in public policy, state and federal budgets, engineering, and environmental & legal regulations, ensuring members have these resources and knowledge at their disposal. Staff also gives regular updates on safety and regulatory changes, providing ample education and a voice in the public comment process.
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Networking
WTBA holds significant educational and entertainment events throughout the year. Those include the Contractor-Engineer Conference, Snowmobile Ride, Annual Convention, Brewers Outing, Spring & Fall Sporting Clay Shoots, Golf Outing, Fall Meeting and Holiday Party. All events, except for the C-E Conference, are exclusive to members and offer robust networking opportunities.
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Stay Informed
WTBA members receive valuable industry and legislative information through a variety of sources such as the Weekly Update newsletter, Construction Notes, and our social media channels. To learn more or sign up for a newsletter, click the link below.
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Quotes from members
“There’s no doubt, WTBA is the foremost authority on transportation matters in Wisconsin. But it’s the people and relationship building that I appreciate most about the Association. Connections I’ve made over the last 30 years with staff and other contractors across the state are priceless.”
Jeff Parisi
Parisi Construction CEO
History
WTBA’s beginnings are linked to a number of contractor-related groups that organized in 1902. They worked to promote highway building in Wisconsin at a time when the automobile was increasingly becoming an important and popular means of transportation. In 1939, after the consolidation of a number of these organizations, the WTBA emerged as the primary trade association -- at the time named the Wisconsin Road Builders Association -- representing the interests of the highway construction industry. In the years and decades that followed, the WTBA (under its past WRBA moniker) successfully rallied against gas tax diversion, helped steer environmental regulations to both protect nature while ensuring workable job sites, and pushed for rules and laws that made roads safer for contractors and motorists alike. In 1998, the Association changed "road" to "transportation" in its name, seeking to encompass all aspects of the transportation construction industry WTBA represents. However, the overall mission and values remain: Help our members build the best transportation system in the country.
Wisconsin Transportation Industry By-The-Numbers
Our members' work has a tremendous impact on people every day all across Wisconsin
115,211
Miles of public roads
$460.8 Billion
Projected freight on Wisconsin roads (2030)
65 Billion
Vehicle miles traveled (2021)
Ready to Join WTBA?
An amplified voice in the lawmaking and budget-crafting processes. A host of industry experts always prepared to help. Exclusive access to events and networking. All the resources under one Association.
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