As the state plans to expand the interstate from the Illinois/Wisconsin border up to Madison, a commerce group says that hinges on what Washington lawmakers do.
Dan Cunningham, vice president of Forward Janesville, is hoping Congress can work quicker on a transportation bill that has been stalled lately. He says state lawmakers have done all they can on the I-39/90 project, and need federal dollars the legislation will provide.
Cunningham says expanding the four-lane highway to six lanes will benefit the region immensely: not only with jobs for those revamping the road, but local real estate as the workers relocate, and the small business these workers will patronize. He adds the anticipated project is already bringing jobs to the area.
Although the expanded route involves South Central Wisconsin, Cunningham emphasizes the entire state will see economic benefit from the project.
Cunningham, and a representative from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, made the rounds by phone urging citizens to contact their US Senators and US Representatives on the transportation bill.