Monday, June 14, 2021
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The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Wisconsin Section
Reacts to Transportation Budget Proposal
(Madison, Wis) – The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Wisconsin Chapter issued the following statement today, after the Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) approved a Transportation budget:
“When it comes to Wisconsin’s infrastructure, Transit and Roads are the state’s most glaring need for investment. Both areas received D+ grades from the American Society of Civil Engineers, Wisconsin Section in its most recent report card. We hope to continue working with policymakers to arrive at a level of funding that goes beyond what the committee recently approved – finding something legislators can get behind and the governor can sign is crucial if Wisconsin wants the infrastructure it will need to be economically prosperous and safe in the future.”
On Local Roads: “With more than one-third of Wisconsin’s roads in fair or below condition, we are pleased the committee approved a 2 percent increase for local road improvements and consider this a step in the right direction and consistent with the recommendations made in our report card.”
On Transit: “Efficient transit service is key to public safety, commerce, and easing traffic congestion. As we encourage Wisconsin to get back to work from the pandemic, it seems counterintuitive to cut transit by 50 percent in Madison and Milwaukee negatively impacting those who depend on public transportation the most.”
Revenue: “Access to reliable, safe infrastructure improves the quality of life and sets the table for sustainable economic growth in Wisconsin. When it comes to funding Wisconsin’s transportation and infrastructure needs, we must be forward thinking and funding must be a priority. The JFC approved a budget that transfers significant funding from the general fund, with a void for a transportation revenue stream, to support the transportation budget. We strongly urge lawmakers to consider a long-term plan to generate revenue to meet Wisconsin’s transportation needs.”
For more information regarding the ASCE and the full detailed report card, please visit the ASCE website at: http://sections.asce.org/
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