April 2016 News and Updates 4/20/16
Just Fix It Update 
The Message is Getting Out
 
The Just Fix It advocate count  has grown to almost 1,400 with  more than 3,400 communications sent to state elected officials.   

Recently, TDA had the amazing opportunity to talk transportation and Just Fix It at Miller Park with employees of Payne & Dolan, Premier Concrete, Zenith Tech, Northeast Asphalt and Construction Resources Management.  Many thanks to all!
New Call to Action Video

Want to know how easy it is to engage? Click the image above to watch a short video.

Please share this video with your friends, family, coworkers and employees.

A special thanks to the Wisconsin Counties Association for their invaluable help in producing the video.

Check out the Just Fix It Gallery

On the TDA website and Facebook page, the Just Fix It Gallery highlights the deteriorating condition of transportation infrastructure around the state.

Each week, one item is featured as part of #FixitFriday.  I-94 EW was in the spotlight last week.

There can't be too many examples. So email your photos to the TDA office.
TDA Hitting the Road 

As there is nothing going on in Madison this spring, TDA is coming to you.  A series of regional meetings will replace the TDA Drive-in this year.  Hope to see you and as many of your colleagues as you can get to join you.
News
Interstate 94 East-West Opponents File Petitions Against Expansion

On Friday April 15, activists delivered petitions to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation with 3,400 signatures.  These petitions call for the department to walk away from plans to expand the I-94 east-west freeway in Milwaukee. 

As an alternative, the Coalition for More Responsible Transportation urges the department to repair the existing six lanes and use the dollars that would have been spent on an additional lane in each direction to improve transit service and repair local roads.

“This is a matter of not just this disparity [referring to transit funding] but it’s a matter of racial, social and economic segregation and discrimination,” said Dennis Grzezinski, an attorney for Midwest Environmental Advocates. read more
Legislators Call Citizens to Action on Highway 23

In a letter to the editor published April 15th, area legislators state, “Two more serious crashes. Another fatality. On April 7 the carnage continued on state Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Plymouth.  As with most prior crashes on this stretch of highway, each occurrence may have been averted if planned safety enhancements had been in place to mitigate, or even eliminate these terrible accidents and deaths.”

The letter goes on to say, “It is imperative that those who are holding up the Highway 23 safety expansion project also hear from concerned citizens. Some of you may have already done so, but we now call on citizens and organizations to also respectfully share your frustration with Judge Adelman over his decision. In addition, contact the 1000 Friends of Wisconsin.”  read more 
Proposal for New Railroad Line Around Chicago 

Great Lakes Basin Transportation, Inc. (GLBT) proposes to construct and operate a new railroad on a 278-mile long, 200-feet wide railroad corridor, from Indiana, around Chicago, and into southern Wisconsin. The $6-8 billion privately financed project is intended to relieve Chicago-area shipping congestion by creating a bypass for through traffic not destined for or originating in the Chicago area.

The Surface Transportation Board Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the proposed rail line.  As part of the process, OEA will hold ten public meetings in the project area and one public meeting online.

Recent local coverage:
Beloit Daily News, April 16, 2016 – “Rail on railroad proposal”

Janesville Gazette, April 17, 2016 – “Questions and answers about proposed railroad line in eastern Rock County”

Milton Courier, April 19, 2016 - "Rock County residents don't want to be railroaded"
Association Notes
TDA Welcomes Returning Member
2016 Fly-in A Wrap

About 50 attendees participated in this year's Fly-in. We focused on three main messages: thanking Congress for the certainty of the recently passed surface transportation bill (FAST Act), reminding our elected officials of the importance of appropriating up to the levels authorized and requesting quick action on the aviation authorization. Click here to see the complete issue paper.

There was also a tour of the Speaker's office that everyone really seemed to enjoy. 

Thanks to the Fly-in Sponsors 
  • Aegis Corporation
  • American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin
  • Ayres Associates, Inc.
  • Fabick Cat
  • HNTB Corporation
  • International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 139
  • Johnson Timber Corporation
  • Mead & Hunt, Inc.
  • Miller-Bradford & Risberg, Inc. 
  • OMNNI Associates
  • Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.
  • Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association
  • Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association
  • Wisconsin County Highway Association
  • Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council
  • Wisconsin State Council of Carpenters
  • Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association