10/29/24, WJFW –
Local officials and transportation industry experts gathered at Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee Tuesday morning to discuss progress as well as ongoing challenges of Wisconsin’s transportation network. The meeting focused on things like fixing roads, finding the funding for doing it, as well as putting political differences aside in order to move Wisconsinites forward.
“During this time of somewhat divisive politics, it’s great to get a bunch of people in the room to talk about transportation – something we all rely on every day,” said Debby Jackson, the executive director of the Transportation Development Association.
Jackson said it’s always great to hear new ideas from experts on how to ease the financial burden for Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure.
“But they are constrained by their levy limits and they have other priorities,” Jackson said. “So, the balancing of the maintenance of the roads versus the roads that need to be re-constructed is always a challenge.”
Jackson also highlighted that some communities face issues not just on the actual roads, but beneath them as well.
“So, they’re also working on how to remove their lead lines or upgrade their storm sewer. And so, aging infrastructure is their main concern.”
Jackson also touched on public transportation – and that even in rural areas, it’s still vital for strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce.
“It should be part of everyone’s goal to provide adequate funding for public transportation – understanding that for some people, it’s their only ride. But for others, it’s their choice.”
Jackson also said that one major hurdle to improving transportation is getting funding from both the federal and state level. For that reason, today’s meeting included discussions of how to avoid having to push some projects down the road in excess of 30 years.