Local road project funding availability announced

Posted at 4:15 p.m. on July 18, 2019

The Brillion News

MADISON – In addition to a 10 percent increase ($66 million over the biennium) in available funding in the 2019-2021 state budget for general transportation aids paid to counties, towns, villages, and cities, the 2019-21 budget provides $75 million in one-time funding for transportation projects.

Governor Tony Evers, on Thursday, July 18, said the budget allows the state Department of Transportation to work with local leaders to prioritize transit and transportation projects.

“This new program enables local communities to prioritize their most immediate transportation needs,” state Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said. “The grant program is designed to address a range of possible projects, and puts the decision-making in the hands of the locals. We expect that communities will submit the project they believe will have the greatest impact on their economic development and growth.”

“Throughout the budget process, there was much discussion and debate, but what everyone could agree upon was we needed additional and sustainable funding for transportation,” Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell said “The budget passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor included a 10 percent General Transportation Aids (GTA) increase and this new one-time supplemental funding. These appropriations will devote much needed resources to county infrastructure needs.”

The program will pay up to 90% of total eligible costs with local governments providing the balance. Grants will be available for projects statewide related to:

1. Roads

2. Bridges

3. Transit capital and facility grants

4. Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations

5. Railroads

6. Harbors

Local and tribal governments are eligible for the funding. A six-year project completion will be required for approved projects. ​Local government type​Funding​County​$26,669,333​City/Village​$19,039,500​Town​$29,291,167​Total​$75,000,000

The program will mirror aspects of the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP). The project selection process will include local government committees. The selection will be competitive and involve stakeholder input and review. The emphasis will be on local project delivery with minimal WisDOT oversight.