Wisconsin's transportation system faces serious challenges when it comes to funding.
With gas tax revenues down and construction costs growing, Craig Thompson with the Transportation Development Association says we need to re-think how we fund infrastructure projects. Thompson says times are changing, and new solutions may be needed that will work as well as the gas tax has over the past 50 years.
Thompson says we can't afford to ignore the need for well maintained roads and public transportation options. He says businesses looking to operate in Wisconsin often rank those needs as a top consideration, so they need to be properly looked after.
To better assess the future needs of our transportation system, the TDA is hosting a conference in Madison next month for state and federal officials. Thompson says the focus will be on how to move forward, in light of the struggling financial situation and tough economy.