Agreement on long-term transportation funding remains elusive

Madison, WI – April 10, 2012 – A great deal hangs in balance for the state of Wisconsin as a contingent of local government, transportation industry, labor and private business representatives head to Washington, D.C. to meet with the state’s congressional delegation about the future of transportation.

The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA) hosts its 22nd annual Fly-in on April 18-19 in Washington, D.C. This year’s Fly-in takes on added importance because Congress just passed a 90-day extension of the federal surface transportation program, which provides funding to highways and transit systems in the U.S. However, there is no consensus on a long-term plan once those 90 days are up.

Federal funding comprises approximately one quarter of Wisconsin’s overall transportation budget.

“We appreciate just how difficult a situation our representatives and senators face, but we need to be clear – our transportation infrastructure drives the economy. Allowing our aging roads and transit systems to fail our businesses and our citizens cannot be an option,” said TDA Executive Director Craig Thompson.

The last authorization for surface transportation programs expired more than two years ago in September of 2009. Unable to reach consensus on new authorizing legislation, Congress has passed nine short-term extensions. Reauthorizations generally cover a six-year period in order to give state departments of transportation and the transportation industry the certainty to plan and make decisions regarding long-term projects, purchase of large equipment and appropriate workforce size.

“TDA members will be meeting with each member of the Wisconsin delegation to offer our support and to encourage them to do what is right for Wisconsin and the country,” continued Thompson. “In the past, Congress and presidents have managed to find common ground on transportation issues. They simply have to find a way again.”

About TDA
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.

Founded in 1971, the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin promotes the vitality and safety of the state’s transportation system, including public transit systems, public-use and general aviation airports, railroads, commercial ports, and roads. TDA’s 400 members comprise business, labor, units of government, regional planning organizations, as well as individuals. www.tdawisconsin.com and Twitter handle @TDAWisconsin.