December 21, 2023

By Lane Kimble

The state should have nearly $150 million more to work with to improve roads and the transportation system in 2024.

Monday, WisDOT notified the Joint Finance Committee that federal transportation funding for FY2024 came in 15.59% higher than planned for in the 2023-25 state budget process.  State law requires WisDOT to notify lawmakers if federal funding is 5% higher or lower than expected.

Sec. Craig Thompson says WisDOT would like to direct $37.9 million more into the State Highway Rehabilitation program, $58 million more for the Surface Transportation program, $15 million more for carbon reduction efforts, and about $11 million more for the Transportation Alternatives program, among others.

He notes that Wisconsin must obligate most of the federal funding (aside from bridge and electric vehicle funds) before Sept. 30, 2024 or it would lose that money.

The JFC has until Jan. 1, 2024 to notify WisDOT of its intentions to hold a hearing on the increases, otherwise the Department is free to proceed as requested.