TDA Newsletter 7/31/2019
Wisconsin News
It's about TIME: Transportation Investment Moves Everything

Kenosha Daily News Op Ed
Debby Jackson, TDA Executive Director
July 22, 2019
This op ed appeared in publications around the state.

Transportation investment moves everything.
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.

This direct impact on Wisconsin residents and businesses is why the Transportation Development Association has promoted the vitality and safety of the state’s transportation system — including public transit systems, airports, railroads, commercial ports and roads — for almost 50 years.

And why for the last four years TDA has traveled the state talking with community leaders, highlighting deteriorating system conditions and asking lawmakers to step forward with a plan to Just Fix It.

Thousands of Wisconsinites attended our various presentations, town hall meetings and Rough Road Tours. We listened to each other, and together, we helped explain how the condition of Wisconsin’s transportation system either moves us forward or holds us back.

The new state budget finally acknowledges the growing concerns of citizens and businesses with an increase of $200 million a year in ongoing revenue, the largest increase in decades. Read more
Other Media Coverage

Wisconsin Public Radio
July 18, 2019

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
July 17, 2019

Kenosha News editorial
July 14, 2019

Beloit Daily News editorial
July 8, 2019
Aviation Industry Boosts Wisconsin’s Economy

Wisconsin has a long history of aviation, and it has a significant impact on the state’s economy.

There are 128 public-use commercial and general aviation airports in the state - and they do a lot more than just move people and goods!

TDA's support of this Know Your Wisconsin segment is part of our mission to educate the public about the importance of the state's interconnected transportation system.
WisDOT Final Intermodal Report Available

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation intermodal subcommittee’s final report, Overview of Intermodal Freight in Wisconsin, is now available. This report is designed to further address the challenges and opportunities associated with expanding intermodal shipping options in Wisconsin. Full report

WisDOT and its partners are planning two summits this summer to enable freight shippers and industry representatives to explore expanding intermodal shipping opportunities in Wisconsin. More information

Around the Nation
EPW Releases Highway Reauthorization Proposal

On July 29, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), which has jurisdiction over most highway programs, officially released the America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019. 

The bill would authorize $287 billion in highway spending over five years, an increase of more than 27 percent from FAST Act levels. Approximately 90 percent of this amount, or $259 billion, would be distributed to states by traditional formulas.

According to the bill summary , the legislation also includes measures to improve road safety, streamline project delivery, protect the environment and grow the economy. 

Committee leaders support paying for the bill with user fees. However, this is the jurisdiction of the Senate Finance Committee. The American Road & Transportation Builders Association estimates at least $80 billion will be necessary to bridge the gap between current projected revenues and spending levels in the five-year bill.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has taken the first step toward reauthorizing the FAST ACT, which expires on September 30, 2020. Other Senate committees - and House counterparts - will need to follow EPW's lead for reauthorization to maintain momentum this year. 
Association/ Member News
Wisconsin Laborers Open Expanded Training Center

On July 22, the Wisconsin Laborers' District Council celebrated the expansion of the Wisconsin Laborers’ Apprenticeship and Training Center in DeForest. 

The new addition to the training center is dedicated to Mike Ryan, former Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council President and Business Manager. Mike Ryan was also a long-time member of the TDA Board before he retired.

Congratulations to the Laborers on the expansion and a great event!
TDA Events

  • TDA Annual Meeting: Thursday, November 7
Other Upcoming Events

  • WTS, Wisconsin Chapter 30th anniversary event - October 9
  • WisDOT Freight Rail Conference - November 12 in Madison