March 21, 2024

By Lane Kimble

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When you get the chance to bend the ear of Wisconsin’s political leaders and express the importance of transportation funding, you take it – even if that means traveling 700 miles.

This week, WTBA Exec. Director Steve Baas and Director of Government Affairs Elise Nelson flew to Washington, D.C. for TDA’s annual Fly-In.

The two-day event offered industry updates, opportunities for relationship building, and face-to-face visits with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

“There’s an old adage in politics that if you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re likely to end up on the menu,” Baas said.  “The TDA Fly-In is a whirlwind of activity that ensures our coalition is at the table and our issues are on the forefront of the agenda for our Congressional delegation.”

The group met directly with Congressmen Derrick Van Orden, Bryan Steil, and Glenn Grothman. They also met with Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s staff.

Nelson thanked Sen. Tammy Baldwin for her work in helping secure federal funding for key infrastructure projects including the Wisconsin River Bridges (set to be let next month) and the $1.8 billion Blatnik Bridge replacement.

WTBA members Dave Brose (EMCS, Inc.), Jake Brunoehler (Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.), Zach Dittberner (Michels Road & Stone), TJ Dougherty (HNTB), Tim Peterson (James Peterson Sons, Inc.), Matt Powell (Century Fence), Deb Schwerman(WAPA), Jackie Spoor (WCPA), Taylor Tauer (Northeast Asphalt), and Dan Weinkauf(Integrity Grading and Excavating) all attended and participated in the Fly-In.