Lane Kimble

Evers to Duffy: Clear up federal funding uncertainty

March 18, 2025 by Lane Kimble

Gov. Tony Evers leaned into DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s Wisconsin heritage this week, calling on him to ensure federally funded projects in the Badger State aren’t delayed or outright canceled.

Evers sent a letter Thursday to Duffy urging the former Northwoods Congressman to take “immediate action” to clear up uncertainty.

“The chaos caused by President Trump’s executive orders and subsequent actions by federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, have led to delays and uncertainty about the availability of congressionally approved transportation funding programs and the projects these programs Congress intended to support,” Evers wrote.

The governor’s letter comes in the weeks following a flurry of presidential executive orders, including one in January that temporarily paused all federal transportation grant funding.

The president reversed that decision the next day.

Duffy has taken some swift action of his own since his Senate confirmation, canceling several Biden-era memos that directed FHWA to prioritize projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, benefit minority communities, and promote the use of electric vehicles.

“The previous administration flouted Congress in an attempt to push a radical social and environmental agenda on the American people,” Duffy said last week. “This was an act of federal overreach. It stops now.”

Evers specifically flagged Wisconsin projects such as the St. Croix River Bridge repairs in Douglas County, culvert and surface replacements in Menominee County, and the state’s EV charging build out which is now on hold.

Evers’ letter also cited a similar one American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials President Garrett Eucalitto wrote to Duffy last week.

I-43 expansion providing safer, smoother experience, data show

March 14, 2025 by Lane Kimble

The selling point of expanding and rebuilding I-43 north of Milwaukee–one of the busiest routes in the state–was a safer, smoother ride.

As that huge project nears completion, the safety aspect appears to be right on the money.

Preliminary data from WisDOT and project engineer HNTB show the 12-week crash average along the 14-mile stretch between Silver Spring Drive and Highway 60 dropped 30% between Oct. 31, 2024 and Jan. 23, 2025 compared to the same time frame before construction began.

The one-month crash total during January 2025 (the first month under full reconfiguration) also fell by 50%.

Meanwhile, average speeds show traffic is flowing smoothly along the newly expanded road, both in Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties.

Construction began in 2021 and is scheduled to wrap up by this summer.

WTBA member companies Hoffman Construction, Michels Road & Stone, and Zignego, along with many subcontractors, have done the lion’s share of the I-43 construction work.

Zignego and Zenith Tech (Walbec Group) worked with WTBA Director of Government Affairs Elise Nelson to give an all-access tour to the work zone in 2024.

WTBA also featured part of the northern leg with Michels in 2023.

WTBA launches first-ever podcast, ‘Road Trippin”

March 13, 2025 by Lane Kimble

WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas is fond of reminding us, “No matter where you’re headed, it all begins and ends with a road.”

That mantra (or, “Baas-ism”) not only inspires association staff, it’s the theme behind WTBA’s newest means of communication.

The first episode of “Road Trippin’ with WTBA” hit major podcast platforms late Wednesday night.

The 19-minute podcast unpacks some fascinating and incredible stories and insights which Packers legends Santana Dotson and Antonio Freeman shared with Annual Convention attendees last month.

Baas and Director of Communications Lane Kimble will host guests from all corners of the state, discussing a vast array of topics ranging from sports, entertainment, pop culture, politics, and–of course–the construction industry.

“WTBA and its members are so much more than simply concrete and asphalt pavers, bridge builders, aggregate producers, and earthmovers. This podcast reflects that,” Baas said.

“Lane and I hope to capture your interest and attention through personalized stories and conversations that entertain and inform.”

You can find us by searching “WTBA” or “Road Trippin’ with WTBA” on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts or at wtba.libsyn.com.

Make sure to subscribe to the channel to get the latest episodes on-demand.

Inspired by past presidents, new WTBA of Tomorrow chairman ready to lead & learn

March 7, 2025 by Lane Kimble

As four past WTBA Board presidents shared stories and advice with Annual Convention attendees last week, Zach Dittberner was paying close attention.

“They gave me inspiration to strive to do more in our industry,” Dittberner told WTBA.

Dittberner will have a golden opportunity to do that over the next year, becoming the new WTBA of Tomorrow Board Chairman for 2025.

Dittberner started his career with Michels Road & Stone two decades ago, first laboring with the pipeline and directional drilling division during summers in college.

He joined the company full-time 17 years ago and now serves as General Manager of Paving Operations.

Dittberner holds a degree in Construction Management from UW-Platteville.

The WTBA of Tomorrow Board is made up of more than a dozen up-and-coming leaders from diverse construction industry backgrounds.

The Board reviews and selects scholarship winners, collects dozens of donations for the annual WTBA/TEF Scholarship Auction, and learns the ins and outs of the state and federal budget process as it pertains to transportation funding.

“First and foremost, I want to keep showcasing our industry’s projects,” Dittberner said of his goals for his one-year term. “It’s unique to get a lawmaker on a jobsite–as we did many times last summer with the WTBA–and show them what we actually do, rather than just, ‘Here are the orange barrels again.’”

Dittberner will work closely with WTBA Director of Legislative Affairs Elise Nelson to prepare for the “Tomorrow Board’s” Day at the Capitol with lawmakers this spring.

Dittberner says he’s also excited to serve on the full WTBA Board of Directors and be a “sponge” in a room full of people he looks up to, much like the past presidents he enjoyed hearing from at convention.

“It’s amazing what those four individuals had to say and what they have done over their careers to shape our industry today,” Dittberner said. “I’d be honored to leave just a fraction of the mark they have when all is said and done.”