Transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It is a vital component of Wisconsin’s daily life and economic prosperity. Roads, rails, air, and water form a network that powers our state’s economy, connecting farmers to markets, factories to buyers, and communities to opportunities. 

But if one link weakens because of a lack of stable funding, the consequences reach everyone: higher prices, longer commutes, lost jobs, and less safe ways to get where we need to go.

When we invest, transportation delivers for Wisconsin.

Investing in Wisconsin’s Future

Transportation delivers…jobs, economic growth, community connections, safety, and opportunity.

This reality is driving a multi-year campaign launched in 2025 by the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA) and key partners. The Transportation Delivers campaign is focused on educating policymakers and the public about transportation's indispensable role in everyday life and the real costs of neglecting our aging infrastructure.

The campaign incorporates multiple strategies:

• Paid media, including compelling video spots and messaging (view at TransportationDelivers.com)
• Grassroots engagement, activating local leaders, stakeholders and community voices
• Direct advocacy, building broad, bipartisan support across Wisconsin

Beginning in January 2026, local governments across the state started adopting resolutions calling for long-term, sustainable transportation funding. These local actions are helping to build momentum ahead of the May regional candidate and legislator forums.

Together, these efforts reinforce a simple truth: when transportation works, Wisconsin works. 

Please mark your calendars for the May Turnout for Transportation Roundtables and stay tuned for more campaign information. 

Save the Dates - Turnout for Transportation Roundtables

Join us for breakfast and an engaging roundtable discussion on Wisconsin's transportation future.

Hear directly from local officials, community leaders, and industry partners about recent infrastructure accomplishments, emerging opportunities, and their real-world impacts on our neighborhoods, businesses, and the state's economy.

Together, we'll reflect on the progress we've made and the challenges still ahead as we work to preserve a safe, modern, and interconnected transportation system that keeps Wisconsin moving forward, strong, and competitive.

Candidates and legislators will be in attendance.

Your voice and perspective matter. We hope you'll join the conversation.

Regional Turnout for Transportation Roundtables

7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Ready to attend? RSVP today.

Register Today for TDA's March 4-5 DC Fly-in

We’re excited to invite you to the annual TDA Fly-In in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 4 – Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Registration is open—secure your spot and book travel early to take advantage of better rates.

Why Attend?

• Congress will be in session, enabling meaningful meetings with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation (currently being scheduled by TDA staff).
• Hear from an outstanding lineup of speakers on federal transportation policy, funding priorities, and legislative outlook.
• Network with transportation leaders from across Wisconsin.

Act Now: Register and Book Travel 

March is a popular time in D.C., and hotel and flight prices will rise as the event approaches. If you plan to attend, we strongly recommend booking soon.

Register here for the 2026 TDA Fly-In. The deadline to sign up is Feb. 20, 2026.

Can’t Attend? Send a Colleague 

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to participate, please consider sending another representative from your organization. The Fly-In offers a unique opportunity to:

• Gain deeper insight into the federal legislative and funding process
• Advocate directly for Wisconsin transportation priorities
• Build valuable connections with peers and leaders statewide

Recommended Hotel

TDA staff will stay at the Thompson Washington D.C. (Hyatt), in the Navy Yard neighborhood, about 1 mile from the Capitol. Current rates:

$315/night + taxes (with free Hyatt membership or AAA discount)

$276/night + taxes (state government rate)

For additional nearby options that may better fit your budget or preferences, view this list: View nearby hotel options

Flights

Thursday's schedule accommodates flights departing Reagan National Airport (DCA) after 3:30 p.m. For those returning to Madison, Delta offers a nonstop flight departing at 3:41 p.m. Consider booking one-way tickets on different carriers to find the best times and prices. Additionally, there are direct flights from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Schedule

Questions?

Contact Luke Pearson at luke.pearson@tdawisconsin.org

We look forward to seeing you—or a colleague—in D.C. this March.

Wisconsin is nearing completion of a statewide initiative, launched in early 2024, to inventory and assess local bridges and culverts spanning 6 to 20 feet—referred to as “small bridges” for clear, public-friendly communication.

At the request of transportation stakeholders, the 2023-25 state budget allocated $12.5 million for this effort. The inventory phase wrapped up in 2024, and inspections were substantially completed by December 31, 2025. This key milestone was achieved through strong collaboration among state and local partners.

Key results:

• Nearly 17,000 small bridges identified
• 1,600+ (about 10%) rated in poor or worse condition

To begin addressing the most critical needs, the 2025–27 state budget dedicated 20 percent ($30 million) of the $150 million Agricultural Roads Improvement Program to replacing deteriorated local small bridges.

However, with more than 1,600 small bridges in poor or severe condition, Wisconsin faces a significant backlog. Additional resources will be necessary to meaningfully address these needs.

Maintaining these small bridges in good repair is essential to ensuring a safe, reliable transportation system across Wisconsin.

WisDOT has established the Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP) to administer the $30 million and is expected to release application materials for the upcoming project solicitation cycle shortly.

East Central RPC Awarded $843K SS4A Grant

The Fox Cities region has received a federal grant of almost $843,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program (SS4A). The East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC), serving as the Appleton (Fox Cities) Metropolitan Planning Organization, will use the funding for two key safety studies.

The first project involves a detailed corridor study along 4.5 miles of County Highway KK (also known as Calumet Street), running from John Street to State Highway 55. This busy route links the City of Appleton, Village of Harrison, Town of Buchanan, and City of Kaukauna while marking the boundary between Outagamie and Calumet counties. Amid rapid development in the area, the corridor has been recognized as a priority for safety upgrades to address growing traffic demands and reduce risks.

The second project focuses on developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for the City of Appleton. It includes a thorough review of current walking and biking facilities to spot network gaps, improve connections, and enhance overall safety for non-motorized users.

The combined projects carry a total cost of a little over $1 million with the federal grant supplemented by approximately $211,000 in local match from Outagamie and Calumet counties, the Cities of Appleton and Kaukauna, the Village of Harrison, the Town of Buchanan, and the ECWRPC. This collaborative effort underscores regional commitment to leveraging federal support for local priorities.

Work on both studies will start once the formal grant agreement is finalized later this year and must conclude within five years.

The award is part of a recently announced $982 million investment through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. This money will support 521 projects across 48 states, 18 tribes, and Puerto Rico, including 6 other Wisconsin grant awards. See the list of all grant awards here. 

House Expected to Vote on Spending Package Early this Week, Ending Partial Shutdown

The House is moving quickly this week to end a partial government shutdown that began Saturday after funding lapsed for several federal agencies.

The House will take up a major spending package that includes five full-year appropriations bills (covering Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development) plus a two-week stopgap to keep the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funded at current levels. The Senate approved this compromise measure on Friday, January 30, 2026), with a 71-29 vote.

This deal emerged after Democrats threatened to block the "minibus" package unless DHS was pulled out. This call was in response to two recent fatal shootings in Minnesota by immigration agents. The short-term extension buys time for negotiations on potential reforms to immigration enforcement practices.

The House Rules Committee met to review the measure on Monday, with the final vote likely to be early this week. 

The measure fully funds core programs at their authorized Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 levels and includes supplemental investments for key infrastructure areas.

Notable new transportation funding (excluding previously enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) advance appropriations) included in the package:

Highway programs:

• $62.7 billion in obligation authority as recommended by the IIJA
• $2.39 billion in supplementary investment from the general fund, including $1.5 billion in congressional directed spending

Airport programs:

• $13.7 billion for operations
•  $4 billion for Facilities & Equipment
•  $4 billion in contract authority for the Airport Improvement Program consistent with the 2024 FAA reauthorization law
• $577 million additional general fund investment, including $542.2 million in earmarks

Transit programs:

• $14.6 billion in transit formula grant obligation authority as authorized by the IIJA.
• $1.7 billion for Capital Investment Grants, down from $2.2 billion in FY 25.

The bill redirects $2.3 billion in advance appropriations provided under the IIJA to various programs. This amount roughly matches the total value of project-specific earmarks authorized in the bill, with most of the funds directed to accounts with earmarks.

Resources:

• FY 26 tables: funding, transfers, and supplemental investments
• List of congressional directed spending

TDA Out and About

February

Project Spotlight

TEA Grant Paves Way for Manufacturing Growth in Slinger

The Village of Slinger (Washington County) is focused on growing its local economy and employment base. With the establishment of Merchant Village, a commercial and industrial development, Slinger is working to attract high-quality businesses and create job opportunities.

However, the area lacked the necessary roadway access to fully support this relocation and the future growth of Merchant Village.

To address these challenges, Slinger will improve access and connectivity by constructing Karius Court, a new roadway in the Merchant Village development. Additionally, Karius Court will serve undeveloped parcels within the business park, opening the door for further economic development, more employers, and stronger regional job growth.

This project is made possible through a $165,000 Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Read More

Plover River Crossing Bridges Community with Green Circle Trail Expansion

For years, the City of Stevens Point has worked to better connect its east and west sides to parks, businesses, and community facilities.

The Plover River Crossing project aims to extend the Green Circle Trail by creating a new, safer bridge and boardwalk path over the Plover River, linking Hofmeister Drive and Ben’s Lane, and extending into Peters Family Park. 

This safer and more accessible route will provide direct access to local soccer fields, an ice rink, and the Hall Nature Preserve

The project is funded primarily by a $1.8 million grant through WisDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). TAP is the State of Wisconsin’s program for what is now the federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) set-aside Program. The remaining funds come from more than $363,000 raised through community donations and fundraising. 

Read More

TDA Membership Renewals Emailed in January

Thank you for being a valued member and partner. Your involvement in TDA makes a difference, and we hope you will continue your support.

TDA emailed this year’s renewal invoices on Jan. 8.

If you can’t find the email or need assistance, please get in touch with Luke Pearson at luke.pearson@tdawisconsin.org or 608-661-0916.

We much appreciate those of you who have already renewed.

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

The support of our sponsors helps TDA provide valuable, informative programming. 

If you'd like to be a 2026 organizational or event sponsor, click here for more information.

2026 TDA Events

• Washington DC Fly-in, March 4-5
• Turnout for Transportation Roundtables, six events in May (see above)
• Annual Meeting, Nov. 12

Thank You to Our 2025 Organizational Sponsors

Wisconsin Reception at TRB Continues Success

During the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, attendees gathered at the 2026 Wisconsin Transportation Reception to connect with colleagues and celebrate the contributions of Wisconsin’s transportation community. 

The event continues to draw large crowds of participants who come together to foster meaningful conversations and collaborate across academia, industry, and government.

Thank you to this year's sponsors. This event is only possible with you.

Plans for next year's reception are already underway!

Upcoming Industry Events

2026 WCPA Annual Concrete Pavement Conference

February 12-13, 2026

The Ingleside Hotel

2810 Golf Road

Pewaukee, WI 53072

The conference will feature several exhibitors and speakers, and eight Professional Development Hours (PDH) will be available.

See the registration page for more details.

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.