• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / News / Study critical of road funding requests

Study critical of road funding requests

January 7, 2009 By WRN Contributor

The state's wish list for transportation funding in a federal stimulus package is receiving some praise, and some criticism.

State officials have asked for nearly $3.7 billion for transportation improvements, as part of a federal economic recovery plan. WISPIRG's Bruce Speight says the plan focuses too much on expanding roads, with nearly 86-percent going towards new highway capacity. Meanwhile, only about 14-percent would go towards repair and maintenance of existing roads and bridges.

With over 1,300 structurally deficient bridges in the state and many roads in need of repair, Speight says those priorities are misguided.

The request from the state DOT does request funding for public transportation projects, such as a Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee rail line and commuter rail in Dane County. Still, Speight says there should be a larger focus on similar projects that would help ease congestion on Wisconsin roadways, lower pollution, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :57)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: News



Featured Stories

House passed gun purchase background check bills last year with no support from Wisconsin Republicans

Future of abortion in Wisconsin hinges on SCOTUS ‘Roe’ decision

Juvenile arrested in connection with death of Lily Peters

Missing Chippewa Falls girl found dead, police seek suspect

Medical marijuana legislation gets public hearing at Capitol

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC