August 2, 2024

By Lane Kimble

GREEN LAKE, Wis. — Just a few minutes standing near a milling machine churning old asphalt into a dump truck on a humid 90-degree morning was enough to give John Jagler an even deeper appreciation for road builders.

“I always have respect for them, but maybe a firmer, harder wave on the way by, driving past next time will be appreciated on a hot day,” Jagler said, referring to the sweltering atmosphere.

The state senator from Watertown found himself along Highway 73 near Green Lake on Wednesday, getting a Paving 101 lesson from Northeast Asphalt (NEA).  Despite it being about 50 miles due north of home, Green Lake is now part of Jagler’s newly redrawn 13th Senate District.

“To see the plant, how everything is made, is something I’ve never done before,” Jagler said.  “The whole (tour), from start to finish, and the coordinated effort that’s needed on every step of the level is very impressive.”

The tour, which included State Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake), began with a stop at NEA’s Ripon Asphalt Plant, which is supplying a mix of fresh and recycled product for the Highway 73 work.

NEA Area Manager Jon Wurzer appreciated the fact that Jagler and Dallman were both engaged and curious.

“It’s really just kind of opening that window, letting them see what the work all entails, everything that goes into transportation projects like this.  Let them ask the questions and we’re always here to answer them,” Wurzer said.

The $3.5 million resurfacing is far from NEA’s biggest project, but Dallman–who serves on the state’s budget-writing committee–says these tours are valuable to lawmakers to realize rural pathways need care and attention along with Major and Southeast Mega projects.

“It’s important to know that the workers that are out here busting their butt every day, putting (down) our roads and making them as smooth as possible for us,” Dallman said.

“Knowing what they need to move forward. Whether it’s sustainable funding, what we can do to allow them to better plan, to be more successful with our roads so we can better utilize all the dollars that we spend here.”

NEA expects to be done with Highway 73 in the next few weeks, just as the dog days of summer settle in.  Wurzer knows Wednesday’s tour left a lasting impression that will stick with Jagler and Dallman when they head back to Madison.

“Without a doubt,” Wurzer said.  “It’s hard work.  We have amazing people doing it for us and their dedication definitely shows through on days like today.”