March 6, 2026

By Lane Kimble

WASHINGTON — Steve Baas has made this trip many times before.

Still, this year’s annual flight to Washington, D.C. early Wednesday morning carried some added weight for WTBA’s Executive Director, with a significant goal in mind and a big name to meet with.

“It is such a benefit for him to be here,” Baas said.

USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy spoke with Baas and other Wisconsin industry representatives during TDA’s two-day Fly-In event.

Baas got some one-on-one time with Duffy, who President Trump named as Transportation Secretary in early 2025. Baas stressed the importance of a “seamless” reauthorization for the five-year surface transportation bill. The bill expires in September.

“Secretary Duffy is not only looking out for the administration’s priorities, but he is also sensitive to Wisconsin’s interests,” Baas said, referencing Duffy’s eight years as a northern Wisconsin Congressman. “It makes for a great and productive partnership.”

There were plenty of partners on this trip to help make the case.

New WTBA Board President Mike Hahn and several other WTBA members joined Baas, WisDOT leadership, local government representatives, and business groups during the two days on Capitol Hill.

They went into Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation offices, including a meeting with Rep. Tony Wied (R-Green Bay) who serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

“We really offered a united message that highlighted the amazing projects and successes our members have produced thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law over the last five years,” Baas said. “We now need a continued, consistent commitment from the federal government to see those successes grow.”