Friday, October 9, 2026

Your go-to source for Association and transportation industry news, notes, and need-to-knows

NEWS & NOTES

Fall Meeting attendees prepare for uncertain future with 'strong and consistent' messaging

There was no avoiding the elephant in the room at Tuesday’s annual WTBA Fall Meeting in Madison.

The word “uncertainty” kept popping up.

“It’s probably a big reason why you’re here,” Board President Mike Hahn admitted.

There’s the toss up for governor and a change in administration guaranteed, control of the Legislature at stake, and big question marks over just how much funding will be in next year’s state budget for transportation.

“Uncertainty isn’t something to fear, it’s something to take on and tackle together,” Hahn said. “I can’t promise you’ll leave here with a bunch of guarantees but you’re in the right place to set yourselves, your friends, and colleagues on the right path.”

Over the next four hours, attendees saw the roadmap to that path start to take shape, hearing from WisDOT, state lawmakers, and some big name guests.

WisDOT administrators, led by Secretary Kristina Boardman, thanked members for their commitment to teamwork and communication across more than 400 projects during the last fiscal year.

"This is a time of transition in Wisconsin, but please know that our partnerships remain stronger than ever," Boardman said.

LETS & QUANTITIES SIMILAR TO YEARS PAST, BUT FEDERAL FUNDING UP IN THE AIR

The department anticipates another 415 projects in FY2027, with an estimated let range of $1.54 to $1.58 billion. That would be similar to last year’s projections.

“We try to build those estimates into the program to create some stability for you guys,” Division of Transportation Investment Management Administrator Justin Shell said. “It can be a bit of a moving target.”

One of the biggest unknowns for WisDOT’s projected quantities is at the federal level.

FALL MEETING MATERIALS

Click individual links to view each slide deck

WisDOT DECKS

SURVEY SAYS?

Did you attend the Fall Meeting? We'd like to hear from you about the agenda, the venue, the food, and your overall experience!

Attendees should have received an email from Lane Kimble with a link to a brief survey on Wednesday morning. Please take a moment to share your thoughts before Sunday, Oct. 11. You can contact Lane with questions or if you did not receive the email.

GAZE AT THE GALLERY

Also, make sure to check out our 2026 Fall Meeting photo gallery HERE.

The five-year Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expired Sept. 30 and Congress has yet to introduce a replacement, instead using a Continuing Resolution to fund the government into December.

Wisconsin relies on federal funding for about 30% of its biennial budget, but can’t accurately plan for 2027-29 without knowing how much the feds will kick in.

“We feel confident that our numbers are going to be similar to the previous years but we just don’t know if there’s going to be a significant increase (in federal money),” Shell said.

That means projected quantities look similar to but are sometimes slightly down from 2026.

Concrete is projected at 1.9 million square yards (down from 2.4 million), asphalt sits even at 3.7 million tons, excavation is projected at 4.6 million cubic yards (down from 4.7 million), and bridge decking at just 800 million square feet (down from 1.4 million in FY26).

Congress did not extend advance appropriations with its CR, a big portion of which funded Wisconsin’s bridge formula program. That cut about $9 billion from the nation's transportation funding baseline.

“There’s still a lot of bridge needs out there,” Shell said. “It’ll be critical as the reauthorization bill comes along that it continues that bridge funding.”

STATE LAWMAKERS AGREE ON THE PROBLEM, VARY ON THE FIX

Some of the people who may be responsible for deciding how much of that funding is available for WisDOT to use talked about their views on transportation with the crowd.

A panel of legislative leaders included Sen. Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point), Assembly Majority Leader Rep. Tyler August (R-Walworth), Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), and Rep. Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha).

The lawmakers agreed there’s a significant (more than $1 billion) transportation funding shortfall to fill in next year’s state budget but differed broadly on how to fill it. The conversation ranged from user fees, sales taxes on cars and parts, general fund transfers, and even tolling.

Meanwhile, attendees also heard from the two men vying for the job of signing that next state budget.

Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany spoke to the crowd for about 15 minutes, pledging to put more money into transportation. His opponent, Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, was unable to attend but sent a video message committing to finding long-term funding solutions for transportation.

The Fall Meeting also featured a visit from special guest Gov. Tony Evers, who decided not to seek reelection after eight years in office (more on that below!) and will retire in January.

Contract lobbyist Eric Petersen provided his analysis and predictions for next month’s elections and the budget battle that awaits before WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas thanked people for their time and attention.

The road ahead may be uncertain, Baas said, but the only path is forward.

“We need to remind (every lawmaker we talk to) the simple fact is: if they don’t buy it, you can’t build it. And if they don’t fund it, we can’t fix it,” Baas said.

“Let’s keep that message strong and consistent.”

A farewell card (game): WTBA thanks Gov. Evers with custom Euchre set during Fall Meeting

Governor Tony Evers proved he wasn’t playing politics when he quipped on the campaign trail that he intended to “fix the damn roads.”

Eight years later--after seeing his commitment to a strong transportation system and his push to repair and upgrade thousands of miles of highways, byways and bridges--WTBA extended a thank you with a nod to the game Evers will certainly play in retirement.

Executive Director Steve Baas and Board President Mike Hahn gifted Evers a customized wooden Euchre set during the WTBA Fall Meeting in Madison.

“I want to note that no matter who takes the (governor's) mansion and the East Wing, they are going to have enormous shoes to fill for your leadership,” Baas said. “You are heading into a well deserved rest and retirement. I hope you enjoy it.”

The hand-carved box with scoring pegs and a deck of cards was made by Milwaukee-area craftsman Ben Martin. Evers has often talked about his love of the classic Midwestern card game.

“Thanks to WTBA for your partnership and the work that you do every day to keep Wisconsin moving forward," Evers said. "Without you doing your work, our economy could not be as strong."

The governor's commitment to the industry began early on. He notably restarted the Transportation Projects Commission upon taking office in 2019.

Over the past four budgets, Evers and Republicans ultimately approved freeway reconstructions on I-41, I-43, and I-39/90/94, authorized funding to begin the I-94 East-West corridor expansion, harnessed fees from electricity used to charge EVs, and signed Wisconsin’s permanent Design-Build program into law.

“Fixing the damn roads was one of my top priorities and I’ve done my best to deliver on that promise,” Evers told the crowd.

“I’m incredibly proud of the progress we collectively have done. None of that happens without the people in this room. Thank you."

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Amrize joins WTBA as Associate member

A new materials supplier is joining WTBA membership as the association’s fiscal year comes to a close.

The WTBA Board of Directors unanimously approved Amrize’s membership application as an Associate during its bimonthly meeting Tuesday morning.

Amrize has locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. It supplies contractors with cement, slag and fly ash for construction projects throughout Wisconsin. You can learn more about the company here.

The company’s addition marks the 19th new member to join WTBA since December 2025. Membership saw a 7% gross increase during the fiscal year.

Please join us in welcoming Amrize to the association!

JT Engineering announces new COO

A former longtime technology products engineer will oversee day-to-day operations at a WTBA consulting member firm.

JT Engineering announced Thursday it hired Eric Heling as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Heling spent the last 20 years with Garmin International leading approximately 100 engineering associates across various disciplines, according to a JT news release.

“JT has reached a point where continued growth requires more leadership capacity,” JT Engineering CEO Doug Sina said. “Eric understands how to help a company grow without losing sight of its people or what made it successful.”

Heling will be based in Kansas City, where he worked for Garmin (according to his LinkedIn profile), but will spend “significant time” with JT teams.

JT Engineering has offices in Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee and Eau Claire. The firm provides engineering, surveying, planning, and construction-related services.

CONSTRUCTION NOTES

Buy America '55 Percent' rule in effect for October WisDOT letting

WisDOT’s upcoming letting on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 will be the first to include the federal Buy America “55 Percent Requirement.”

The rule applies to manufactured products permanently used in federally supported construction projects.

At least 55 percent of the total cost of each product must come from components that are mined, produced or manufactured in the United States.

WisDOT released a flow chart to help contractors ahead of the Oct. 13 let. (Click the image below to view the PDF and to click on the embedded links.)

Certain construction materials including glass, lumber and fiber optic cable are considered domestic when they meet specific Code of Federal Regulations standards. Some products, such as cement (and related materials), aggregates, and binding agents are exempt from the rule.

WisDOT notes that its guide is for information only. Contractors should refer to the Buy America/Domestic Materials provision in each specific contract along with the corresponding Construction and Materials manuals beginning with the Oct. 13 letting and beyond.

WTBA members with questions can contact Director of Engineering Matt Grove.

The Buy America Act rule change came at the tail end of the Biden administration, when the former president eliminated the manufactured products waiver.

FHWA had used its waiver authority since 1983 to exempt a wide array of items used on federal-aid highway projects — including electronics, ITS hardware, electrical equipment, signal boxes, pumps and many more – from provisions mandating that they be produced in the United States.

The Trump administration initially paused the implementation for review before deciding to proceed.

EVENTS & REMINDERS

WTBA event sponsorship packages available through Nov. 1

Every year, WTBA brings together thousands of business owners, team leaders, project developers, crewmembers, family, and friends for eight great events.

Now is your chance to show those people what your company can do for them while helping the association put on best-in-class programming.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2027 WTBA Events schedule are open now through November 1.

Click HERE to view what various opportunities are available.

Sponsorship packages are crafted ala carte, which gives you the chance to pick which events and offerings best fit your price point and preference.

Please fill out the form on page 6 of the sponsorships packet and email it to Catherine DeMarco. You can also send Catherine any questions you may have.

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors, past, present and future. We couldn’t do what we do without you!

Registration open for TDA Annual Meeting Nov. 12

The Transportation Development Association will dig into the November midterm election results, discuss federal funding possibilities, and pass the gavel to a new president next month.

Registration is now open for the TDA Annual Meeting, set for Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 at Monona Terrace in Madison.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a networking lunch to follow.

Speakers include outgoing TDA President Robb Kahl, election result analysis from Michael Best Strategies partner Tony Langenohl, a national outlook from ACEC VP and Advocacy Counsel Matt Reiffer, and remarks from TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson and incoming president Ron Chamberlain.

Registration costs $75 per person. Click HERE to sign up.

The deadline is November 9.

Hard Hats with Heart fundraiser returns Oct. 22

An event dedicated to saving construction workers’ lives and teaching as many people as possible how to lead healthier lifestyles returns this month.

The American Heart Association’s annual Hard Hats with Heart gathering is coming Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 at Wisconsin Aviation (on the east side of the Dane County Regional Airport.)

The festivities begin with Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction & networking at 4:30 p.m. The program with featured speakers and live auction begins at 6 p.m.

Last year’s auction raised nearly $19,000 for the AHA.

WTBA of Tomorrow Council member Brooklyn Hilton (M3 Insurance) is one of this year’s event co-chairs.

Tickets cost $100 per person. Click HERE to purchase tickets or donate.

WTBA is a proud sponsor of this event and provides photography services as an in-kind donation.