Search Results for: public-affairs
September 8, 2023
Studies: Sooner better than later to research VMTs for gas tax replacement
By Lane Kimble
Can state governments fairly and safely track how many miles you drive in an effort to supplement – and, eventually, replace – the gas tax? It’s a question we can’t wait too long to answer,…
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August 23, 2023
Article: Extensive lobbying efforts help secure significant boost in transportation funding
By Lane Kimble
Reliability is key in transportation construction, especially when it comes to reliable funding and work. Every contractor knows that. Over the winter, spring, and early summer, WTBA and other groups ensured lawmakers knew it, too,…
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August 23, 2023
With future still undecided, Sen. Stroebel pushes back against possible I-794 demolition
By Lane Kimble
Calling it a “solution in search of a problem,” State Sen. Duey Stroebel urged WisDOT to take a measured approach as it considers what to do with I-794 in Milwaukee. The Department is gathering input…
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August 17, 2023
Feds release updated construction guidance on Build America, Buy America
By Lane Kimble
New guidance issued this week should clear up confusion – and many concerns – over Build America, Buy America’s (BABA) impact on transportation projects. ARTBA has been pushing the White House’s Made in America Office…
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August 2, 2023
WTBA, coalition partners push feds to help fund Blatnik Bridge replacement
By Lane Kimble
Nearly $2 billion is a lot of money to dedicate to one project. But when that project provides an essential link between Wisconsin and Minnesota – and to the largest and busiest port on the…
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July 19, 2023
Michigan House approves work zone speed cameras; concept still prohibited in Wisconsin
By Lane Kimble
LANSING, Mich. -- One of Wisconsin’s neighbors is a step closer to potentially creating safer work zones. Late last month, the Michigan House of Representatives approved a pair of bills which would allow the state…
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July 6, 2023
Signed, sealed, delivered: Governor signs 2023-25 state budget with nearly $1B in new Transportation funding
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- From significant investments in long-awaited major projects to a new and sustainable funding mechanism, there is a lot to like when it comes to transportation in the new state budget. Wednesday, Gov.…
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June 22, 2023
Governor signs ARIP, Shared Revenue bills
By Lane Kimble
A busy week of bill signing for Gov. Tony Evers could mean a busier future for the transportation construction industry. Evers signed the bipartisan Shared Revenue and Agriculture Road Improvement Program (ARIP) bills into law…
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June 16, 2023
ARIP bill approved, headed to governor for signature
By Lane Kimble
Farmers and agricultural suppliers in Wisconsin could soon see the countless roads they depend on get some much needed improvements. The state Senate and Assembly both approved SB247 on Wednesday, sending the bill to Gov.…
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June 16, 2023
Budget Breakdown: JFC votes to make “historic investments” in Transportation budget
By Lane Kimble
Good things tend to come to those who wait and – in the transportation world – that wait appears to be well worth it. Initially scheduled to debate the Transportation budget five days earlier, the…
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June 16, 2023
Young Gun: Rep. Dallman, 31, fighting for rural roads during second elected term
By Lane Kimble
When State Rep. Alex Dallman talks about his childhood career goals, he’s speaking of relatively recent history. At just 31 years old, Dallman is halfway through his second term in state office. “I told myself…
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June 9, 2023
Sen. Wimberger hopeful budget includes significant bridge project
By Lane Kimble
State Senator Eric Wimberger knows a heck of a lot about a proposed bridge project in his home district. “The Southern Bridge in De Pere, that is my baby,” Wimberger told WTBA. “Hopefully we get…
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June 9, 2023
Vos, Republicans announce Shared Revenue deal; Transportation budget debate delayed
By Lane Kimble
Finding out what funding will look like for road repairs, rehab, and reconstruction over the next two years will have to wait another week. With the Joint Finance Committee delaying debate Thursday afternoon on the…
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May 25, 2023
Sen. Stroebel on transportation: “The vitality of our state… Roads are a huge part of that”
By Lane Kimble
State Senator Duey Stroebel isn’t afraid to share his opinion – and he has a lot to say. Whether it’s his reason for running for office in 2011 (“Maybe we just need a little more…
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May 23, 2023
“This is a real issue”: WTBA members testify in support of utility bill
By Lane Kimble
MADISON -- No matter how comprehensive or complete, a bill is simply text on paper. It’s the personal stories of why that bill matters that give it life and can help it become law. This…
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May 17, 2023
Day at the Capitol offers WTBA of Tomorrow Board face-to-face time with lawmakers
By Lane Kimble
MADISON -- With just 90 minutes to get to six individual meetings with state lawmakers and their staffs, the WTBA of Tomorrow Board proved up to the challenge… Even if there were some nerves before…
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May 12, 2023
Transportation committee gets in-depth view on state of industry
By Lane Kimble
MADISON -- The men and women specifically tasked with transportation-related bills took a deep dive into understanding our industry this week. During a nearly three-hour informational hearing, the Assembly Committee on Transportation listened to WisDOT’s…
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May 5, 2023
JFC Vice Chair on increases to transportation funding: “Absolutely, that will occur”
By Lane Kimble
Even when they’re badly needed, major reconstruction projects can take a long time to plan, prepare, and execute. Take, for instance, State Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan – made significantly better and…
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April 28, 2023
Sen. Testin eager to hear from stakeholders on transportation budget
By Lane Kimble
State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) loves connecting with the people he serves by experiencing their livelihoods -- even if just for a day. "In college, I worked in factories, lumber yards, loading docks to…
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April 28, 2023
More for municipalities? GOP unveils new state shared revenue plans which could improve roads, services
By Lane Kimble
Counties and municipalities across Wisconsin could tap into an additional $227 million to fix roads, improve infrastructure, and shore up community services under a new plan. Wisconsin Republicans unveiled their Shared Revenue proposal Thursday. The…
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