MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers this week met local officials and public works staff in Wausau and Green Bay to highlight the important role that a quality transportation system plays in public safety, Wisconsin’s economy and quality of life.

“The recently approved state budget contains the highest level of transportation investments in more than a generation,” Gov. Evers said. “With support from the legislature and the collective voices of people across Wisconsin, we’ve finally made significant progress in the one area that truly connects us all – our comprehensive transportation network.”

The 2019–2021 state budget invests in all transportation modes including state and local roadways, coupled with the lowest level of borrowing in 20 years. Key provisions include:

  • An additional $320 million in State Highway Rehabilitation funding to improve existing highways and bridges across the state
  • A 10% increase ($66 million over the biennium) in General Transportation Aids. This funding helps offset the costs of transportation-related expenses in Wisconsin’s counties, cities, villages, and towns 

“Along with investing in the state highway system, we’re providing municipalities with additional resources to help them prioritize and complete badly needed improvements to local roadways,” Gov. Evers said. “While the recently approved state budget represents an important step forward in addressing transportation needs, my hope is to work cooperatively with elected state officials to identify a sustainable, long-term transportation funding solution.”

Gov. Evers also helped debut the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s podcast “Transportation Connects Us.” In the first episode, Gov. Evers and WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson discuss Wisconsin’s transportation challenges and opportunities. The podcast is available athttps://wisdot.libsyn.com.

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