Watch the Event Online

What will Wisconsin’s transportation system look like in the future? Will we be able to enjoy the benefits of convenient rail service, safe bridges, smooth roads? And where will we get the funding for the needed upgrades to our current infrastructure…and for all the improvements we’d like to make in the future?

Our Future Rides On It a policy forum presented by the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin, was a great success. Participants discussed the challenges facing Wisconsin transportation funding and, more importantly, possible solutions.

If you missed the event or just want to refresh your memory or share a portion of the event with a colleague, please investigate the links below:

» AGENDA

Wisconsin Eye Video Coverage

November 12 November 13

*BREAKING NEWS*

November 10, 2008

TDA Issues Report on Wisconsin’s Transportation Crisis

Transportation Group Lays Out Challenges and Opportunities Facing State

The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin issued a comprehensive report today on the crisis that will soon face transportation funding in the state of Wisconsin. The State of Transportation describes a nearly perfect storm of factors that could combine to cripple the state’s ability to compete in the national and global economies. It also explains why Wisconsin is simultaneously more vulnerable than other states and poised to lead the nation in dealing with the challenges of emerging technology, outmoded financing and deteriorating infrastructure.

The State of Transportation
http://www.tdawisconsin.org/data/

Complete press release
http://pressrelease.tdawisconsin.org/

Wisconsin Links

Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin

The Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA) is a statewide alliance representing more than 400 transportation stakeholders committed to working together for the best in transportation. TDA members include businesses, labor, units of government, and organizations, as well as individuals.

Road to the Future Committee Report

In December 2006, the Joint Legislative Committee on Transportation Needs and Finance, better known as the Road to the Future Committee, issued a report detailing an almost $700 million annual transportation funding shortfall just to meet existing needs in key programs. The committee found three principal reasons for the funding shortfall -high construction inflation, escalating transportation fund debt service, and stagnant revenue from the gas tax. In a 2008 update of the report, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau determined that despite increased fees in the last state budget the annual transportation funding shortfall had grown to almost $1 billion due to high construction inflation.

National Links

National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission

One of two commissions created by the last federal surface transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU). This commission examined not only the condition and future needs of the nation's surface transportation system, but also short and long-term alternatives to replace or supplement the fuel tax as the principal revenue source for the Highway Trust Fund. The final report was issued in January 2008.

National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission
The second of two commissions created by SAFETEA-LU. The Finance Commission's task is to recommend to the federal government how it should fund its transportation programs in the coming decades. The final report is expected in late 2008.

Media Coverage

Wisconsin Coverage

Fox 6 Milwaukee March 16, 2008
"Pothole Prognosis" - a harsh winter and delayed maintenance leads to a bumper crop of potholes.

WKOW Madison May 20, 2008
"Switching to the bus" - higher gas prices lead to increased bus ridership.

National Coverage

NBC Nightly News series April 28-30, 2008
Falling Apart" - a series highlighting the nation's aging infrastructure, including roads and bridges.

NBC News July 28, 2008
"Bumpy roads underscore rising oil prices" - a story of rising prices and declining revenues.

USA Today August 13, 2008
"Americans driving less as miles traveled drop for the 8th straight month" - high gas prices, changing travel habits, more fuel efficient vehicles, and increased use of public transit.

The News Hour with Jim Lehrer week-long series Blueprint for America

• October 20, 2008 - "Aging Bridges Among Country's Infrastructure Woes"
• October 21, 2008 - "Increased Decay Strains Budget-strapped New Orleans Port"
• October 22, 2008 - "Population Growth Burdens Roads, Schools and State Programs"
• October 23, 2008 - "Chicago Airport Faces Serious Growing Pains"
• October 24, 2004 - "Infrastructure Success in Boston Raises Prospect of Future Urban Spending"
This segment includes an interview with Michael Gallis, keynote speaker at the TDA policy forum.