In a recent announcement, Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDot) revealed their plan to allocate $174 million in state funds for the completion of over 1,000 projects in the next five years. This decision is set to boost the progress of ongoing transportation projects in Wisconsin and pave the way for several new ones.
Thee Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP). selected projects based on recommendations from counties, municipalities, towns, and offices, with a focus on addressing areas of need.
Wisconsin’s roads and bridges are set to receive a significant boost with over $200 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will enable the state to undertake more than 150 projects aimed at enhancing the quality of its transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the state is set to receive an extra $210 million in federal funding for its transportation projects. This will go a long way in ensuring that Wisconsin’s roads and bridges are safer and more efficient for all its residents and visitors.
Governor Evers stated that his administration has prioritized the repair of roads since the beginning, and they have successfully enhanced over 7,400 miles of roads since 2019, which includes 3,700 miles of roads owned locally and 1,780 bridges throughout the state. He expressed his pride in the effort and explained that the Local Roads Improvement Program investment is a continuation of their work to ensure that Wisconsin’s infrastructure can meet the demands of modern times. The program will help address the deteriorating state of local roads, streets, and highways, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals across the state.
According to Craig Thompson, the Secretary of WisDOT, they have a distinctive program that empowers local governments to lead and manage projects. Thompson emphasized that the people who drive on these roads every day are the ones who know best what needs to be done and how to do it. Therefore, WisDOT values its partnership with these communities and is committed to working together to develop a transportation system that caters to the needs of the next generation.
The LRIP program in Wisconsin will see an increase of $4 million in funding through the state’s latest biennial budget. Additionally, a supplemental fund of $100 million has been allocated for county trunk highways.
Moreover, the LRIP now features the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP), which was established recently. Governor Evers signed the 2023 Wisconsin Act 13 to extend the LRIP, allowing agricultural road improvement initiatives through ARIP. The 2023-25 biennial budget was also signed by Governor Evers in July, setting aside $150 million for ARIP to enhance transportation infrastructure that grants access to agricultural lands or facilities.
Governor Evers and WisDOT revealed their plan to allocate almost $50 million in state investments towards the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) in July. This program will aid 37 projects located in 28 counties across Wisconsin.
