The Wisconsin Towns Association applauds yesterday’s legislative action on shared revenue and the previous day’s commitment by the Joint Committee on Finance to invest more than $362 million dollars in local roads and bridges, marking an historic week for Wisconsin’s local governments.
“Tuesday’s investment in general transportation aids, the Local Road Improvement Program, and small bridges like the one that recently collapsed in the Town of Farmington was accompanied Wednesday by the passage of an historic shared revenue bill,” said Jerry Derr, President of the Wisconsin Towns Association. “This week’s efforts demonstrate the legislature’s commitment to providing much needed state investment in critical local services.”
“Town roads function as the first and last mile in the distribution of Wisconsin’s agricultural, forestry, and manufacturing goods,” said Jack Herricks, WTA Director and farmer. “The additional investment proposed by JFC will go a long way toward improving our local transportation system’s ability to function as a critical link for consumers to obtain food and fiber products.”
The Wisconsin Towns Association, along with other local government groups and stakeholders, has worked closely with state leaders to increase shared revenue and connect local governments to the economy. The shared revenue bill negotiated by legislative leaders and the Governor will do just that, increasing aid amounts and tying local revenues to future growth in the state sales tax.
“The shared revenue bill provides a critical lifeline for towns throughout the state so that they can continue to provide life-saving fire and EMS services,” said Lester Lewis, WTA Director. “Up here in the north we have had significant gaps in service, and this investment will allow us to address those challenges.”
Mike Koles, WTA Executive Director, added, “We appreciate the commitment, collaboration, extraordinary leadership, and statesmanship that was displayed by so many to get us to a point where these historic investments are a reality.”
WTA thanks the Legislature, the Joint Committee on Finance, the Governor, and all those who worked on these efforts for their dedication to supporting local government.
