For more information, contact:
James Madlom
262-770-5189
[email protected]

Mount Pleasant, Wis. – June 6, 2018 – The following statements were issued today regarding the announcement that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has received a $160 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant to assist in funding construction of the I-94 North-South Freeway Project in Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee Counties.

President David DeGroot, Village of Mount Pleasant:

“It is great to see a federal investment of this magnitude. We’ve been hard at work to coordinate the necessary roadway improvements to our local roads; this grant will ensure that I-94 will also receive the necessary improvements needed to move people within and through our region in the most efficient, timely and effective way possible and will reduce state taxpayer investment associated with the project.”                            

County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, Racine County:

“We are thrilled with today’s announcement that $160 million in federal money will be directed to southeastern Wisconsin to help rebuild Interstate 94. With Racine County preparing for massive growth in the coming years, the INFRA grant is crucial to upgrading our infrastructure and improving this critical corridor for our community. I want to thank Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao and federal officials for recognizing the importance of this project. This investment into the I-94 North-South Project will strengthen our economy and help move passengers and goods efficiently throughout the region.”

Matt Montemurro, President and CEO of Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC):

“Racine County’s location along I-94 is one of its key differentiators and the reason so many businesses and manufacturers choose to locate here, but it is in need of significant investment, updating and expansion. We’re thrilled to learn that the federal government has seen the need for this project, and has stepped up to help fund it. The INFRA grant will not only lessen the impact on state taxpayers, it will move the project forward quickly and efficiently and, I believe, will result in even more businesses and workers choosing to invest in the Racine area.”

Jenny Trick, Executive Director, Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC):

“The INFRA grant is truly historic for Wisconsin. The funds secured by WisDOT amount to the largest INFRA grant ever received by Wisconsin. The grant will decrease state taxpayer costs associated with the much-needed roadway improvements, while allowing for the project to be completed in record time. It is another example of the type of follow-on investment we’re seeing come to our State as a result of Foxconn’s decision to locate in Racine County.”

 

ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR REBUILDING AMERICA (INFRA) GRANTS

The INFRA program provides dedicated, discretionary funding for projects that address critical issues facing our nation’s highways and bridges. INFRA grants support the Administration’s commitment to fixing our nation’s crumbling infrastructure by creating opportunities for all levels of government and the private sector to fund infrastructure, using innovative approaches to improve the necessary processes for building significant projects, and increasing accountability for the projects that are built. Learn more athttps://www.transportation.gov/buildamerica/infragrants.

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

As a key component of the National Highway Freight Network, I-94 traverses over 1,500 miles and connects major U.S. cities like Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. This corridor plays a vital role in the local economy, allowing for the transportation of goods and passengers throughout the region.

I-94 has not been fully reconstructed since its completion in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The current WisDOT expansion project will replace frontage roads, ramps, pavement, bridges, and other structures, and redesign interchanges to improve safety, traffic flow, and operational deficiencies. It will also increase the number of general purpose lanes from six to eight from the Wisconsin/Illinois state line to the City of Milwaukee.

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