9/29/25, WBAY – Oshkosh leaders are raising concerns over deteriorating state highways, saying their condition is affecting quality of life in the city.
The new state budget includes more money for the state highway rehabilitation program, but Oshkosh officials are calling for a long-term fix. Officials said this is one of many conversations, as this is ongoing, because road construction is not a one-time thing.
“Oshkosh is facing a growing challenge that impacts every resident, every business, and every visitor that travels through our city, and that’s the deteriorating condition of our state highways,” said Oshkosh Mayor Matt Mugerauer.
Oshkosh city leaders say they’re hoping the state legislature doesn’t forget highway funding in future budgets.
“The biggest thing is to make sure that the legislature, as they’re working on budget bills, keeps infrastructure a priority,” said James Rabe, Director of Public Works in the city of Oshkosh.
Right now, the process isn’t as simple as pulling from available funds, but rather that budget gets approved and the funding is issued for those two years. Officials want to make sure the state can get ahead in terms of road repair.
“The issue is that one time funding does not sustain beyond, and so we’ve got to look at how we fund our roads proactively, instead of reactively,” said State Rep. Lori Palmeri, (D) Oshkosh.
Where that funding is going to come from, officials didn’t have an answer, but they want to make sure the money continues to come in.
“That funding needs to be reliable and continuous because road projects and road repair aren’t a one-and-done,” said Rep. Palmeri.
They add that having these conversations is an important part of making sure the roads stay safe for you and your family.