May 23, 2026
By Lane Kimble
EAU CLAIRE — You don’t fix a projected $1 billion funding shortfall overnight, but you need to begin somewhere.
A straightforward conversation over breakfast is a pretty good place to start.
About 120 people filled a hotel ballroom Tuesday morning in Eau Claire for the third stop of the Transportation Development Association’s “Turnout for Transportation” roundtable series.
“As I look out in this room, which is full, it says something really important. It says that transportation matters,” TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson told the crowd.
The event included a keynote from Jackson, a panel of local leaders and industry partners, and the opportunity for area lawmakers to share their thoughts on transportation funding solutions.
WTBA projections show the state needs to generate more than $1 billion in new revenue to keep current and future projects on track. This includes Majors and Southeast Mega projects, state highway rehab work, and local programs such as LRIP and ARIP.
“We’re not another budget line item, we are the foundation of our economy,” Jackson said. “We are about safety, mobility and economic vitality.
“And when we get it right, we have stronger communities, we have more competitive businesses, and the welfare of everyone in Wisconsin is improved.”
The tour kicked off in Appleton last week, then went to La Crosse on Monday and Wausau on Wednesday. Tuesday’s event in Eau Claire featured the most state representatives, senators, and candidates yet.
“This forces us to have real conversations,” State Sen. Romaine Quinn said. “Do we transfer sales tax money? How do we make sure everyone has skin in the game? How do we make sure we have a long-term funding system that supports every rural road, every important interstate road? We’re all in this together.”
WTBA is one of 10 partners supporting the TDA roundtables, with many association members also offering support through sponsorships and attendance.
The breakfast events are free and open to anyone interested, although an RSVP is required.
Click HERE for information about the final two stops, Wed., May 27 in Oak Creek and Thurs., May 28 in Janesville.
