May 5, 2023

By Lane Kimble

What has mainly been an important idea and goal for many WTBA members over the years is getting closer to becoming reality – but there’s more work to do.

This past week more than a dozen state lawmakers signed on as co-sponsors to legislation that – if approved – would streamline contractor compensation when they run into utility conflicts.

Currently, a contractor has to seek that compensation themselves, sometimes placing WTBA members and utilities in adversarial positions and costing time and money.  In fact, contractors often build potential utility conflict costs into state highway project bids due to this risk.

The proposed change would make things simple: If WisDOT determines a contractor should be compensated, the Department pays the contractor.  It also establishes a transparent review and appeal process.

WTBA has worked hard to build coalition support for the bill (which is currently numbered as “LRB-1867”) among utilities, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, and various stakeholders while educating lawmakers on why this reform is so badly needed.

So, what comes next?

The legislation will get a formal bill number and a public hearing in both the Assembly and Senate, which WTBA anticipates will happen this month.  The Association is coordinating with contractors to share their own, real-life stories at those hearings to ensure lawmakers understand the impact this has.

In the meantime, please continue to contact your elected leaders and encourage them to support and ultimately vote in favor of utility compensation reform.  You can use this interactive map to find contact information for your local representative and senator.

WTBA is committed to seeing this legislation become law, benefitting members, stakeholders, and taxpayers.