Search Results for: public-affairs
August 16, 2024
“Really remarkable”: US Labor Secretary impressed with Walbec Group’s safety commitment during Franklin Quarry tour
By Lane Kimble
FRANKLIN, Wis. -- The anticipation was building. “You may be able to feel the air blast, like a thunderstorm.” A few seconds later a puff of rock, dust, and debris expanded in the distance, then…
Read More
August 14, 2024
Second round of ARIP grant applications now open
By Lane Kimble
Communities across Wisconsin can again apply for grants to repair dozens of rural roads, bridges, and culverts, just weeks after the state awarded its first batch of recipients. Monday, Gov. Tony Evers and WisDOT Secretary…
Read More
July 24, 2024
Shining a light on the night: Michels, WTBA show lawmakers I-41 project requires around-the-clock work
By Lane Kimble
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. -- It was pretty easy to spot a group of five state lawmakers walking the median of I-41 Tuesday night near Appleton -- what with their matching neon yellow reflective vests, pants,…
Read More
July 10, 2024
Public meetings coming on potentially huge I-39/90/94 rebuild, expansion
By Lane Kimble
After years of research, delays, and now renewed support, you’ll have a chance later this month to learn more about a massive potential rebuild and expansion of I-39/90/94 in south-central Wisconsin. WisDOT is holding three…
Read More
June 4, 2024
Milwaukee-area student first recipient of WTBA’s Work Zone Safe Wisconsin scholarship
By Lane Kimble
A high school senior from West Allis who intends to study aerospace engineering will get a boost toward earning that degree thanks to her commitment to roadway safety. Tuesday, WTBA announced Clara Haass as the…
Read More
June 2, 2024
‘Best part of the job’: Rep. Born gets first-hand look at plant, worksite during tour
By Lane Kimble
TOWN OF BURNETT, Wis. -- Between a tour of a quarry and asphalt plant, a short road trip through a work zone, and a stop outside a church where milling machines rumbled along Highway 26,…
Read More
May 16, 2024
WTBA presses lawmakers to support transportation industry & funding in D.C.
By Lane Kimble
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A trio of WTBA members went to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. this week on a mission: ensure Wisconsin’s Congressional leaders understand a few simple but important keys about the transportation world.…
Read More
April 19, 2024
‘Enough is enough’: Sheriff pledges strict enforcement as state kicks off Work Zone Awareness Week
By Lane Kimble
WYOCENA, Wis. -- You could sense Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner’s frustration even as he walked up to the podium Monday morning. “Enough is enough,” Brandner said, with some exasperation in his voice. “This is…
Read More
April 12, 2024
REPORT: Statewide local road quality fell 7% since 2010; thoughtful investments needed
By Lane Kimble
The quality of Wisconsin’s more than 101,000 miles of local roads fell nearly 7% since 2010 and will likely get worse without measured and ongoing investments. The non-partisan Wisconsin Policy Forum detailed that notion in…
Read More
March 23, 2024
Gov. Evers signs WTBA-backed EV, construction equipment sales tax bills
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- Placing ink on paper, Gov. Tony Evers helped place a new revenue stream in the state’s Transportation Fund. Evers signed SB791 and SB792 in his Capitol office Wednesday morning, surrounded by stakeholders,…
Read More
March 21, 2024
Baas, Nelson join WTBA members for ‘whirlwind’ D.C. Fly-In
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…
Read More
December 21, 2023
Leading the Charge: Bill to allow electricity sales, tax into Transportation Fund gets public hearing
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- In the not so distant future, you could pull up to a Kwik Trip (or any of the many fine fuel stations across Wisconsin) and notice a new price illuminated next to…
Read More
December 19, 2023
Major Progress? TPC recommends two potential projects for study
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- For the first time in more than 10 years, the state Transportation Projects Commission (TPC) recommended two new potential Major projects for study. Wednesday, the TPC approved looking at expanding the US…
Read More
December 7, 2023
Done Deal: Governor signs utility bill into law
By Lane Kimble
MADISON, Wis. -- It took all of 60 seconds. But in that brief period of time – including a few short comments, the stroke of a pen, and some handshakes – WTBA members could finally…
Read More
November 6, 2023
MCC, Inc. recognized as standout company for hiring, supporting veterans
By Lane Kimble
APPLETON, Wis. -- There’s a picture on the wall of MCC, Inc.’s conference room in Appleton that shows military service members posing in front of a cement mixer. It’s a small reminder of the major…
Read More
October 2, 2023
Painting the ‘big picture’: WTBA’s legislative education program offers Assembly transportation chair site tour
By Lane Kimble
TOMAH, Wis. -- Tucked neatly into the scenic rolling hills and farmland in western Wisconsin, it’s easy to miss the Milestone Materials quarry if you’re not looking for it. That’s because parent company Mathy Construction…
Read More
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,…
Read More
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,…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More