Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin

$72.8M in federal funding has been approved for the Muskego Yard Bypass Project via the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. This project is needed to support new passenger rail routes in Wisconsin and increase trip frequencies of Amtrak's Hiawatha Service, and will also help boost freight rail capacity. https://ow.ly/hPL150TZbAZ

Our final two 2024 TDA Transportation Roundtables took place last week in Mosinee and Ashwaubenon. Local officials and transportation industry experts gathered at all four of the Roundtables during the month of October, with important conversations taking place on the ongoing challenges of Wisconsin’s transportation network, as well as the opportunities ahead. “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, executive director of TDA. https://ow.ly/63HT50TZiH5

Amtrak's new Borealis line recently hit a milestone: 100K+ passengers in its first 22 weeks of service. The line connects St. Paul and Chicago with eight stops in Wisconsin, including two in Milwaukee. The line averages about 650 riders per day. "Reaching 100,000 passengers in less than six months is a testament to the good things that can happen when we provide a service that is needed," shared Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. https://ow.ly/c5FW50TU7vE

The US DOT has issued $4.2B for major transportation projects across the US, with Wisconsin receiving $12.5M to help replace 2 rest areas along I-43 in Manitowoc County. Funds come through two discretionary grant programs: the National Infrastructure Project Assistance grant program, and the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant program. https://ow.ly/fzai50TUCs5

In Brown County, the project to reconstruct and expand 23 miles of interstate between Appleton and De Pere is progressing well. As Gov. Evers shared about this major project, "We're investing in jobs and local economic opportunities, improving the flow of business and industry, making it easier to get to work and most importantly improving safety." https://ow.ly/IWjj50TU7ko

Thank you to all speakers, sponsors, and participants at TDA's recent Annual Meeting. From a reception to honor Craig Thompson, to the traditional "passing of the gavel" along with the many important transportation discussions and presentations during the event, this group showed we are truly "Charting the Course" for the future of transportation in our state.

This week the last two 2024 Transportation Roundtables will take place: Tuesday, Oct. 29 in Mosinee, and Wednesday, Oct. 30 in Ashwaubenon. There is still time to RSVP and attend! https://ow.ly/zWbN50Ti4ZV

There are new developments with the design and construction of the Blatnik Bridge reconstruction project. Field work is currently in progress, with expected closure of the bridge in late 2027 and bridge reconstruction work completed in late 2032. https://ow.ly/Bg9550TPonl

There's a new round of federal funding to continue building Wisconsin’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network; WisDOT is accepting proposals for specific geographic areas through Feb. 14, 2025. This next round of awards, through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, will be announced in spring 2025. The first round of funding for Wisconsin's EV charging network, $23.3M to support 53 projects, was announced in May 2024. https://ow.ly/ECKm50TPo3P

There is still time to register for the upcoming TDA Transportation Roundtables coming to Mosinee (10/29) and Ashwaubenon (10/30). RSVP and join the important conversation about the future of transportation in our state: https://ow.ly/zWbN50Ti4ZV