FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2017
CONTACT:
Craig Thompson, Executive Director
Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin
craig.thompson@tdawisconsin.org, 608-256-7044
Transportation Development Association Executive Director Craig Thompson released the following statement on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation request of the federal government to rescind its record of decision for the I-94 East-West project in Milwaukee:
“Last week the secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation sent a letter to the Wisconsin division administrator of the Federal Highway Administration formally asking the federal government to rescind its authorization of the I-94 East-West project.
“This is a sad development and is a huge setback, not only for Southeast Wisconsin but the entire state.
“A little over a year ago, the governor wrote the same division administrator stating his intent to enumerate and adequately fund the project in the 2017-2019 budget. In the letter, the Governor stated: ‘I support the advancement of this project and believe there is a reasonable expectation our 2017-2019 Biennial Budget will be passed with the appropriate level of highway funding needed to advance the State’s highest priority projects.’
“This latest action clearly shows Wisconsin doesn’t have enough revenue to advance the state’s highest priority projects. Worse yet, there is no coherent plan to rebuild the almost 60-year old freeway system in Southeast Wisconsin. Not moving forward on the 3.5 mile stretch between the Marquette and Zoo interchanges will diminish the investments already made and make it nearly impossible for businesses to make informed decisions moving forward.”
About TDA
From the buses in Racine to the Port of Green Bay to the rail lines in Superior to the Waukesha County Airport to the roads we use every day, Wisconsin’s transportation network is the key to connecting goods to market and people to jobs.
Founded in 1971, the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin promotes the vitality and safety of the state’s transportation system, including public transit systems, public-use and general aviation airports, railroads, commercial ports, and roads. TDA’s members comprise business, labor, units of government, regional planning organizations, as well as individuals. Contact us at: www.tdawisconsin.org and Twitter handle @TDAWisconsin