TDA Newsletter - transportation news

December Newsletter

12/22/2020

Congress Passes COVID Relief, FY 2021 Appropriations, WRDA

After months of wrangling, bipartisan leaders announced a $900 billion COVID relief package, including a new round of direct payments and help for the unemployed, families, and businesses struggling during the pandemic.

The December 20 agreement contains $45 billion for transportation program operational assistance:

$16 billion for airline and airline contractor payroll support
$14 billion for public transportation agencies
$10 billion for state departments of transportation
$2 billion for airports
$2 billion for private motor coach
$1 billion for Amtrak

The bill also includes another round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to aid businesses.

Beyond COVID relief, the measure incorporates final FY 2021 appropriations and Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization legislation, which allows for $16 billion in port, waterways, and harbor maintenance projects.

The $2.3 trillion COVID relief and annual spending package passed both chambers of Congress on December 21 and is expected to be signed into law by President Trump.

Thanks to everyone who contacted their federal representatives to make the case for transportation's inclusion in the latest relief bill.

Pete Buttigieg Nominated To Be USDOT Secretary

Earlier this month, President-elect Joe Biden announced Pete Buttigieg – former presidential candidate and mayor of South Bend, Indiana – as his nominee to lead the United States Department of Transportation.

Once confirmed by the Senate, Buttigieg will have a central role in the incoming administration’s plan to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and economy while addressing climate change.

"Jobs, infrastructure, equity, and climate all come together at [USDOT], the site of some of our most ambitious plans to build back better," Biden commented. "I trust Mayor Pete to lead this work with focus, decency, and a bold vision — he will bring people together to get big things done."

Wisconsin News

TPC Advances Two Projects, I-39/90/94 Madison to the Dells Study Restart

On December 8, the Transportation Projects Commission met to review major highway studies and projects.

At the meeting, TPC members approved two projects for construction the I-39/90/94 Bridges over the Wisconsin River (Columbia) and US 51, Stoughton to McFarland (Dane). These projects are classified as high-cost major projects, so further legislative approval is not required.

In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation gave an update on the planned restart of the I-39/90/94 Madison to the Wisconsin Dells study. This study, which was canceled in 2017 by the previous administration, will take a couple of years to complete.

At the department’s recommendation, the TPC removed two projects from the approved list – I-94, US 12 to WIS 65 (St. Croix County) and US 12, WIS 67 to WIS 59 (Walworth County). After evaluation, the department determined the issues on these corridors could be handled at this time with treatments short of a major highway project.

A meeting recording and the information binder are available on the WisDOT website.

Business Leaders Support I-94 East-West Modernization Plan

By Steve Baas, Tracy Johnson, and Suzanne Kelley

This op-ed appeared in several regional publications.

It is well past time to modernize the I-94 East-West Corridor, which is vital to Southeast Wisconsin and the entire state’s economy.

Originally built almost 60 years ago, the East-West corridor of I-94 connects the Marquette and Zoo interchanges. This stretch, which runs for three and a half miles between 16th and 70th Streets, has more than 20,000 businesses, 310,000 jobs, and 540,000 residents located within a five-mile radius of its center.

The corridor helps area employees get to their jobs and serves as a gateway for goods, tourist destinations, and healthcare facilities throughout the region and the state.

Improving the East-West Corridor is necessary to reap the benefits of the $2.5 billion the state and federal governments have spent reconstructing the Marquette and Zoo interchanges. Commuters and businesses cannot take full advantage of these interchanges’ utility if the roadway between them is deteriorated, congested, and outdated. Which it is. Read more.

Steve Baas is the Senior Vice President, Governmental Affairs for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, MMAC.

Tracy Johnson is the President and CEO of the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin, CARW.

Suzanne Kelley is the President and CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance, WCBA.

CN to Open New Intermodal Terminal in Wisconsin

Canadian National Railway (CN) has announced a new inland distribution terminal in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

The facility, expected to open on March 1, 2021, will have an automotive compound and an intermodal terminal for shippers and receivers.

The New Richmond terminal will link shippers to the railroad’s three-coast network and serve a variety of industries, including automotive and finished consumer goods, grain, soybean, as well as forest products.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation congratulated CN for the New Richmond terminal.

“This facility brings competitive container shipping to northwest Wisconsin, which is vital for farmers and other businesses to meet growing global markets for high-quality goods,” said WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson. “Intermodal freight transportation is a top WisDOT priority, and I am pleased to see this project move forward in New Richmond.”

CN has 1,428 miles of rail and more than 1,400 employees in Wisconsin. Over the last five years, CN has invested approximately $970 million in its network in the state.

Association News

Thank You for Your Support

Thank you for your support of TDA throughout 2020. Your involvement has made a difference during this challenging year.

TDA will mail membership renewal information in early January. Understanding the many ways the pandemic may have impacted your organization, there will be no dues increase in 2021.

Transportation played an essential role during the health emergency, and it will play an equally significant role in supporting Wisconsin’s businesses and industries with their recoveries. Together, we will help Wisconsin rebuild, rebound, and move forward.

TDA Welcomes New Member

Aurigo helps state agencies, cities, counties, water authorities, airports, and facility owners plan, build, and maintain capital assets, infrastructure and facilities safely and efficiently.

Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season

TDA's take on the 12 Days of Christmas is back to remind us all to celebrate the magic of the Wisconsin holiday season and the transportation system that delivers it.

Happy Holidays!