Please attend TDA’s first virtual annual meeting Thursday, November 12, from 10 am to noon.
Transportation played a critical role during the COVID-19 health emergency. It will be equally significant as we rebuild, rebound and move forward, together.
The two-hour, jam-packed agenda includes the following lineup:
|
|
There is no cost to participate. |
|
Thanks to Our Annual Meeting Sponsors |
|
Senate on Deadline to Extend Surface Transportation Programs, Government Funding |
|
Right up against the September 30 deadline, the Senate is expected to pass today a one-year extension of federal surface transportation programs. The package also funds the federal government through December 11. President Trump will have just hours to sign the bill before the midnight deadline.
The House passed the stopgap bill by an overwhelming 359-57 vote last week.
The extension of the current authorization, the FAST Act, authorizes $47.1 billion for highway programs and $12.3 billion for transit programs for FY 2021. The measure transfers $13.6 billion to the Highway Trust Fund to support this investment level.
As Congress failed to pass a multi-year reauthorization of highways, bridges, and public transportation programs in this session, the two chambers will have to start the process again in 2021.
|
|
For more news around the state, take a look at TDA's About TIME publication.
|
|
The USDOT awarded $31.8 million to WisDOT for the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago Intercity Passenger Rail Service Project. This project is expected to increase economic development, enhance the passenger experience, and improve the efficiency of travel in the region.
Slightly more than a year after the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Wisconsin County Highway Association announced the Low-Risk Bridge Pilot Program, half of the 16 program bridges have been replaced or will be this year. The pilot program has resulted in expedited project delivery and reduced costs.
Wisconsin received its first designated national bike routes - USBR 30 and USBR 230. From Milwaukee to Bluff Siding on the Mississippi River, this corridor running east to west will draw local, regional, and national cyclists to communities along the trail and positively impact Wisconsin’s economy.
In partnership with the Village of Dallas, Barron County moved forward with the reconstruction of County Highway U within the village limits thanks to a grant made possible by one-time funds provided in the last state budget.
The recently completed WIS 116 bridge over the Wolf River in Winneconne has been named one of 12 finalists for America’s Transportation Awards. The Top 12 Finalists are competing for the Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award. Both prizes come with a $10,000 cash award, for a charity or transportation-related scholarship of the winners’ choosing.
Show support for this Wisconsin project: The public is invited - and encouraged - to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Voting takes place until Oct. 25, 2020 (one vote per person, per day). Click here to cast your vote.
|
|
On September 15, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Wisconsin Section released the Wisconsin Infrastructure Report Card, which highlights the need to invest in Wisconsin infrastructure.
TDA's Debby Jackson took part in the September 15 Report Card release event. Watch the video here.
|
|
The first meeting of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation led Wisconsin Automated Vehicle External (WAVE) Advisory Committee took place earlier this month, as the state continues to prepare for the future of autonomous vehicles. Officials state there are potential benefits such as improved safety, while at the same time acknowledge there are possible unintended consequences. More.
|
|
On The Go Podcast: Milwaukee BRT Project Moves Forward |
|
In the latest On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Dan Basile, chief operations officer at Milwaukee County Transit System. Their discussion centers around an exciting new transportation project in Milwaukee: East-West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
“BRT is a popular approach to deliver enhanced public transportation service in communities seeking a more cost-effective way to reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, and increase transit ridership,” explains Basile.
With Dedicated lanes, fewer stops, traffic signal priority, and pre-board ticketing, travel times become shorter and more predictable, which, according to Basile, is very important to riders, especially on longer trips. “BRT is really a way to improve the transit experience,” Basile states.
Listen to the latest episode here.
|
|
WisDOT Railroad Conference - November 10th
This event will be held virtually from 8:15 AM - 12:15 PM. Registration and a preliminary agenda are available here.
|
|
Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin
10 East Doty Street, Suite 201 | Madison, WI 53703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
