Newsletter
6/23/2022
President Biden Proposes Gas Tax Holiday
Yesterday, President Biden called on Congress and state and local governments to provide relief for families suffering from high gas prices. He specifically requested Congress pass a three-month suspension of the federal gas tax and called on states “to take similar action” to put money back in family coffers.

The president proposes to backfill the estimated $10 billion hole created by suspending the federal gas tax with “other revenues.”

Many economists are skeptical about gas tax holidays and the potential benefit to motorists. After the president’s remarks, Jason Furman, a senior economic official during the Obama administration, tweeted, "Whatever you thought of the merits of a gas tax holiday in February, it is a worse idea now. Refineries are even more constrained now, so supply is nearly fully inelastic. Most of the 18.4 cent reduction would be pocketed by industry -- with maybe a few cents passed on to consumers."

The Biden administration will likely face an uphill battle garnering congressional support for suspending the gas tax.
Tell Congress a Gas Tax Holiday is a Bad Idea
Suspending the federal gas tax has no upside. And real-world pitfalls. Please send a message to your representatives in Congress today urging them to oppose any efforts to suspend the federal gas tax.
Wisconsin & Federal Infrastructure Law
WisDOT Hosts Public EV Webinars
Wisconsin will receive $76.8 million over five years from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Before Wisconsin can use these funds to facilitate the buildout of charging stations along the state’s Alternative Fuels Corridors, Wisconsin must submit its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure deployment plan to the Federal Highway Administration by Aug. 1 for approval.

If you missed the June 21 and 22 Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) webinars on the Wisconsin Electrification Initiative and the planning for the use of NEVI formula funds, click here to view the video of the June 21 presentation.
First Round of IIJA Local Projects Announced
On June 7, Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced the first round of local road funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), providing $35 million to support 40 projects in 28 counties.

These projects benefit rural areas and urban areas with fewer than 50,000 people.

WisDOT received 306 applications, and applicants not selected in this initial round can reapply in future years with a simplified form. A list of the selected projects is available here. 

Approximately $25 million in additional IIJA project funding for areas with populations greater than 50,000 people is still to be announced.

WisDOT will let the projects in the fall with spring 2023 construction.
Wisconsin Transportation News
WisDOT Holds Public I-94 E-W Meetings
Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) hosted two public involvement meetings (PIM) to present the proposed I-94 East-West Corridor project improvements and alternatives.

Since the last PIMs in December of 2021, the department has focused on:
  • Developing a design alternative for the Stadium Interchange
  • Revising the study schedule to accommodate additional analysis
  • Developing a transit component of the construction traffic management plan
  • Proceeding with reduced impact options along the 68th Street eastbound entrance ramp and 35th Street north of I-94

All meeting handouts and exhibits are available on the project website.

WisDOT is still evaluating six-lane and eight-lane reconstruction options and is accepting public comments through June 30.
Other Transportation News
Tindall-Schlicht Appointed to Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently appointed Port Milwaukee Director Adam Tindall-Schlicht to the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee (MTSNAC).

Tindall-Schlicht will serve on the MTSNAC during the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and when addressing supply chain issues and moving goods to market has never been more critical.

The MTSNAC advises the Secretary, through the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator, on more effective use of maritime transportation to respond to growing trade. The MTSNAC includes leaders from commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and local public entities, labor organizations, academia, and environmental groups.
Record Road-Tripping July 4th Weekend Expected
AAA predicts 47.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday weekend (June 30 – July 4), an increase of 3.7% over 2021. That means travel volumes are approaching those seen in 2019.

Despite high gas prices, AAA projects car travel to set a new record with 42 million people hitting the road.

Wisconsin will likely follow similar trends. Expect roads to be crowded and airports busy. Be prepared, and enjoy a fun, safe July 4th celebration.
TDA Outreach
TDA Podcast: AAA on Summer Travel and Traffic Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released preliminary traffic fatality numbers showing the U.S. reached a 16-year high in 2021.

In this episode of the On The Go podcast, Nick Jarmusz, AAA Director of Public Affairs for Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, joins TDA’s Debby Jackson to discuss the upcoming summer travel season and what we can all do to make the roads safer for everyone.
Association News
Thanks to Our Organizational Sponsors
Upcoming Industry Events

  • Wisconsin Commercial Ports Association (WCPA) Annual Meeting - Sept. 15-16 in Marinette.

  • Southeast Wisconsin Transportation Symposium - Oct. 14 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Save the Date

  • TDA 2022 Annual Meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Madison Marriott West