GOP lawmakers propose infusion of local road funds

Posted at 2:05 p.m. on June 5, 2019

The Brillion News

MADISON— Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg), Sen. Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua), Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), Sen. Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac), Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon), Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) and Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) on Wednesday, June 5, announced a proposal to allocate $133.6 million in one-time General Purpose Revenue (GPR) grants for local road construction projects in the 2019-21 State Budget.

The plan proposes $1 million for each county ($72 million) and $1,000 for each mile in each town ($61.6 million) in Wisconsin.

Funds will be distributed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) directly to counties and municipalities. All projects must meet Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) criteria.

The intent of this plan is to fund maintenance and construction projects to improve local road conditions in Wisconsin. Funding will be available until June 30, 2023. Any unencumbered program funds will be lapsed to the general fund on June 30, 2024.

“Our plan dedicates meaningful, one-time funding to make a significant improvement in our local roads,” Sen. Marklein said. “We want to help our local leaders to fix the roads right now. We have the money, we heard our constituents and we are taking action.”

“As a former county board supervisor, I know that repairing and replacing local roads and bridges is one of the most expensive budget items for counties,” Sen. LeMahieu said. “Due to a strong economy and smart budgeting, Wisconsin has a surplus. This plan uses part of that surplus to make a $133 million one-time investment in improving our local infrastructure.”

“Our local roads are deteriorating before our eyes. This is a crucial investment that will help boost funding for our roads in areas that need these resources the most – our local counties and townships,” said Sen. Dan Feyen.

Regardless of any other transportation resources in the budget, this plan provides an immediate influx of funding to repair over 61,000 miles of town roads throughout Wisconsin.”

The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will consider the DOT portion of the state budget on Thursday, June 6, 2019.