Gov. Tony Evers acts on transportation initiatives with a new bill, as well as announced that the Wisconsin's bipartisan Transportation Projects Commission will hold a meeting for the first time in five years.
The new legislation, Act 69, amends a requirement made by 2019 Act 9 requiring the Department of Transportation to pay cities based on mileage rather than the “share of costs” formula. Now, the DOT will have $2.5 million of aid to distribute to 144 cities.
“I am happy to sign this bill today as it is a technical fix that is going to greatly benefit our roads and communities,” Evers said.
DOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said Evers’ move to begin work with the TPC fulfills “transparency, accountability and communication” priorities.
“Restarting the TPC process is an important part of how the agency provides the governor, state lawmakers, and citizens the opportunity to provide crucial input and decision-making on Wisconsin's major transportation projects,” Thompson said.
TPC includes the governor, five state senators, five assembly representatives and three citizen members, who will advise Evers and make recommendations for transportation strategies and projects.
Evers campaigned on and approved funding in his budget to address the “long-overdue” investments in Wisconsin’s infrastructure.
“The TPC serves a vital role in fostering stronger communication between the Legislature, transportation stakeholders, and the public about major highway projects, and I look forward to seeing the collaborative work of the TPC as we work to improve our transportation infrastructure across the state,” Evers said.
Today Evers designated the three citizen members: Barron County Highway Commissioner Mark Servi, Waukesha County Public Works Director Allison Bussler and Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna.
