Re-VITAL-ize Campaign Spotlights Need to Fix Aging Community Highways, Wisconsin Transportation Funding | | |
Waterloo Mayor Jenifer Quimby, local business owners, community leaders, State Representative Joan Fitzgerald (D-Fort Atkinson), a representative from the office of State Senator Melissa Ratclif (D-Cottage Grove), and others toured Highways 89 and 19 to highlight their deteriorating conditions and impact on the city’s safety, economy, and quality of life.
“Roads are the backbone of our community,” reported Waterloo Mayor Jenifer Quimby. “Here in Waterloo, we rely on two major state roads – Highways 89 and 19; they are the lifelines of our economy and daily lives. We are excited to see that WisDOT has scheduled improvements to these highways, allowing us to upgrade the 75-year-old water and sewer infrastructure beneath. Still, this means other local road projects will take a back seat. These highways need fixing, but the way Wisconsin approaches funding roads needs fixing itself.”
Local voices echoed the urgency. Janae Nell, a Community Development Authority member and former real estate agent, shared how the roads deter potential homebuyers. “When folks come through Waterloo, looking to move here, the top items are location and curb appeal, and then they see the roads, and they say OH NO, OH NO,” said Nell. “I’ve lost many home sales due to the bumpy roads. Plus, I’m visually impaired, so trying to walk and avoid potholes is a safety issue.”
The Re-VITAL-ize campaign, spearheaded by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and the Transportation Development Association, highlights the challenges communities face in maintaining adequate roadway conditions for businesses and residents. The recently enacted state transportation budget significantly boosted funding for the State Highway Rehabilitation Program and provided an inflationary adjustment for local general transportation aids. However, without a sustainable, long-term solution for transportation funding, Wisconsin leaders warn that the state will struggle to maintain its transportation priorities, leading to project delays. The current approach forces a trade-off, where improvements to either state or local roadways are at the expense of the other.
“We need to provide our communities, residents, and businesses the roads they need to succeed, and Waterloo’s road needs are no different than every other municipality in Wisconsin,” stated Toni Herkert, government affairs director for the League.
The campaign will continue with road tours across Wisconsin, rallying support for long-term transportation solutions.
Coverage of the event:
| Check out the Video Recap of the Waterloo Event. | |
Save the Date: TDA Annual Meeting Nov. 13
Join us for the 2025 TDA Annual Meeting on the morning of Thursday, November 13, at the Madison Marriott South. This event will highlight key initiatives, including the Re-VITAL-ize Community Highways effort, as well as other plans to pursue sustainable, long-term solutions for Wisconsin’s transportation funding challenges heading into the next budget.
Stay tuned for more details!
| | Wisconsin Launches I-94 East-West Freeway Overhaul, Completion Timeline Hinges on Future Funding | | |
Construction has commenced on a long-awaited project to rebuild a key stretch of Interstate 94 in Milwaukee, with work on local roads already underway and freeway reconstruction and utility work scheduled to begin later this year. TDA has collaborated with partners and regional stakeholders for nearly a decade to reach this milestone.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is finalizing designs for the I-94 East-West Freeway Project, which spans from 70th Street to 16th Street. The initiative aims to replace aging infrastructure, enhance safety through modernized designs, and reduce congestion along the corridor.
Work began this summer on Wisconsin Highway 59, also known as National Avenue, from WIS 175 to 50th Street. The modifications, expected to continue through the end of 2025, are intended to handle increased traffic diversions during the broader freeway work and accommodate permanent access changes.
Freeway construction is slated to start late 2025 on I-94 from 70th Street to just west of the Stadium Interchange, the 27th Street Bridge over I-94, and St. Paul Avenue from 29th Street to 27th Street.
The full reconstruction, including the Stadium Interchange and I-94 east to 16th Street, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2033, contingent on future budget allocations. TDA and project coalition members are committed to keeping this project on track, and that requires sufficient funding in future budgets.
Utility work is also ramping up, with underground and overhead projects planned west of the stadium from 2025 to 2027, and east of the stadium from 2025 to 2026. Additional utility efforts are anticipated in future years.
For more details, visit the project website.
| | Revised Plan for Black Hawk Bridge Moving Forward | |
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Iowa DOT are moving forward with a “revised plan” to replace the Black Hawk Bridge connecting Crawford County to Lansing, Iowa. While the original plan aimed to keep the existing bridge operational during construction, the current approach requires complete closure and demolition of the existing structure this fall to ensure the new bridge can be safely constructed and opened as planned in 2027.
The change in plans stems from safety concerns following the detection of displacement and movement in the existing bridge, which has resulted in two temporary closures since construction began in late 2023. The revised demolition plan prioritizes safety for motorists, construction workers, and river traffic. However, Crawford County residents will be without direct access to Iowa for approximately two years.
WisDOT is investigating alternative river crossing solutions during the extended closure, including possible restoration of water taxi services that were previously offered during temporary bridge closures. The agencies are also working to maintain viable roadway detours for Crawford County residents who have relied on the bridge for work, shopping, and essential services.
Iowa DOT, with support from WisDOT and the Federal Highway Administration, released this film about the Black Hawk Bridge and the local communities surrounding it.
| Wisconsin Sees Surge in Off-Road Vehicle Deaths: 27 Fatalities Already in 2025 | |
Wisconsin has recorded 27 ATV and UTV deaths so far in 2025, putting the state on track to exceed 30 fatalities for the fourth consecutive post-pandemic year. The fatalities have affected riders aged 6 to 97 across the state, with many crashes involving vehicles breaking through ice or rolling over.
Many of the victims were not wearing seat belts and had not completed safety courses. Alcohol use and excessive speed were major contributing factors, with 20 cases still under review for possible alcohol involvement. According to Wisconsin DNR officials, increased highway access for off-road vehicles—combined with their low-pressure tires and higher center of gravity—creates added risks when these vehicles share the road with regular traffic.
The rise in ATV/UTV use since COVID-19 has corresponded with higher accident rates.
| | Senate Committee DOT Funding Bill $4.6B Larger than House Version | |
The Senate Appropriations Committee overwhelmingly approved the fiscal year 2026 Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, S. 2465, with a 27-1 vote late last month.
The Senate’s bill allocates nearly $27 billion in gross discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), in contrast to the House Appropriations Committee’s version, which was passed the previous week and provides $4.6 billion less in new appropriations. Both chambers rejected the Trump Administration’s proposed sweeping budget cuts, particularly to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, the Senate bill differs significantly in its approach to transportation funding. While the House bill offsets its reduced new spending by redirecting $4.4 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) advance appropriations, the Senate bill limits such transfers to $745 million.
| Chart produced by the Eno Center for Transportation, a nonpartisan transportation think tank. | |
Both the Senate and House bills uphold the IIJA’s $83.3 billion in obligation limitation for trust fund programs, including federal-aid highways, transit formula programs, and airport trust fund programs. The Senate used the additional funds primarily to plug the gaps where the House bill used repurposed IIJA money.
Next, the two chambers need to pass their respective bills before they can be reconciled. With only two of the 12 regular appropriations bills approved by the House and three by the Senate, Congress has a significant amount of work to do before Sept. 30, the end of the federal fiscal year, to avoid the need for a continuing resolution.
Resources
| Secretary Duffy Unveils Streamlined EV Charger Program, WI EV RPF Resumes | | |
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled sweeping revisions to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program on August 11, aiming to fast-track the rollout of EV charging stations nationwide. The new guidance, which takes immediate effect, grants states greater autonomy to design plans, expedite project delivery, and prioritize efficient infrastructure development.
Secretary Duffy emphasized a “do it right” approach, stating, “Our revised NEVI guidance slashes red tape and makes it easier for states to efficiently build out this infrastructure.” Among the most notable changes are the minimization of state plan content to only what is mandated by law, simplified approval processes, and the removal of requirements addressing social equity, emergency planning, and consumer protections.
The updates also streamline consultation obligations and allow states more flexibility in station location. While the revised NEVI guidance will proceed under an interim rule, feedback is being solicited for further adjustments as the program moves forward.
Wisconsin EV RPF
Earlier in the month, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that it was reopening the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle (WEVI) Program Round 1.5 request for proposal (RFP) after the RFP was shut down in February due to a pause in NEVI funding.
Round 1.5 aims to address remaining gaps in Wisconsin's Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) network, targeting specific geographic areas. However, the revised RFP allows WisDOT to consider high-quality project applications that meet program requirements anywhere along the state's AFC network. WisDOT will accept applications through September 5, 2025, at 5:00 pm CT.
| | TDA Podcast: Madison's New, Accelerated Commercial Pilot Training Program | | |
Dr. Chris Johnson, a seasoned pilot and flight instructor, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to discuss his role in the innovative Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program at Madison College, developed in partnership with Wisconsin Aviation. The duo explores the creation of this accelerated aviation training program, designed to provide a fast-track pathway for aspiring commercial pilots and a wide range of aviation careers.
Chris shares his lifelong passion for aviation, sparked at an early age, and draws on his over 20 years of experience as a pilot, flight instructor, engineer, and professor. He explains how this expertise informs his mission to create accessible, career-focused programs that cater to recent high school graduates and those seeking a second career. Highlighting the global pilot shortage, Chris emphasizes the urgent need for skilled aviation professionals and outlines how the PAC program addresses this demand. He also offers valuable insights into what prospective students can expect from the program and the rewarding opportunities awaiting them in the aviation industry. Find out more about the PAC program here.
Listen to this episode of the TDA On The Go Podcast now.
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August
Project Spotlights
| | New Dickeyville Foundry Spurs Jobs with $645K State Grant | | |
A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing Company, a leading U.S. manufacturer specializing in water works, plumbing, pumps, and natural gas products, has chosen Dickeyville in Grant County as the location for a new 350,000 square foot state-of-the-art brass foundry on a 100-acre parcel in a new industrial park.
However, to support this major investment, significant upgrades to local transportation infrastructure are needed to ensure safe and efficient access for employees, suppliers, and heavy trucks.
This project is made possible by a $645,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) Program. The TEA program provides matching funds to support public infrastructure projects that directly generate new business growth and job creation.
Read More
| | Milwaukee County’s $25 Million Federal Grant Pursuit for Road Safety | | |
For years, Milwaukee County has faced escalating challenges related to roadway safety. Fatal and serious injury crashes increased by 42% from 2020 to 2022, compared to 2010-2012, outpacing national trends.
Milwaukee County seeks a $25 million federal grant to implement a comprehensive Safety Action Plan, developed through extensive public engagement and data analysis over the past three years.
The project plan was made possible by a robust planning process, which included nearly two dozen public meetings in 2023, ongoing collaboration with municipal leaders, and the establishment of advisory and working groups to ensure that community voices were heard and considered.
Read More
| | Thank You to Our 2025 Organizational Sponsors | | |
Are You Responsible for Managing an Airport?
The Wisconsin Airport Management Association’s Airport 101 course is tailored for you. Designed for new airport board members, commissioners, senior and mid-level airport executives, and entry-level staff, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of the airport industry.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 10
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Location: Central Wisconsin Airport, 100 CWA Drive, Mosinee, WI
Please register by Sept. 3.
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Registration Open for the Fall Wisconsin Aviation Conference
The Wisconsin Airport Management Association and the host airport, La Crosse Regional Airport, will hold the 69th annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference (WAC) on Oct. 20-22 at the La Crosse Center.
Looking to attend? Details and registration information are available here.
More information is available for those interested in exhibiting at or sponsoring the event.
| | If you would like TDA to consider including your organization's update or event in an upcoming newsletter, please forward information to Luke Pearson at luke.pearson@tdawisconsin.org. | |
Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin10 East Doty Street, Suite 201 | Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-7044 | general@tdawisconsin.org
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