Wisconsin Receives $22 Million in Federal Funding to Reduce Traffic Congestion and Improve Air Quality

Strategic Insights -

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), has announced over $22 million in federal funding from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program. This funding will support local projects aimed at reducing traffic delays, increasing travel efficiency, and reducing air pollution across Wisconsin. The announcement builds on Governor Evers' efforts since 2019 to bolster the state's clean energy infrastructure, ensuring Wisconsin's communities are prepared to address the needs of the 21st century.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $22 million in federal funding will be allocated to 16 eligible Wisconsin communities to implement sustainable transportation solutions, including upgrading public transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and ridesharing programs.
  • The CMAQ Improvement Program provides an 80 percent federal cost share to assist eligible communities with transportation projects that improve traffic congestion and air quality.
  • The funding will go towards projects that improve traffic flow, upgrade technologies, and enhance roadway mobility, and reduce travel delays, address real-time traffic issues, and provide alternative options for residents and visitors to travel around the state.
  • Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has championed efforts to promote climate resilience through innovative transportation infrastructure and clean energy initiatives, including creating the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy in 2019.
  • The state aims to reach 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050, as outlined in the Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan, and has secured historic investments in Wisconsin's transportation infrastructure, including $1.1 billion in the 2025-27 Biennial Budget.

Statistics:

  • $22 million in federal funding allocated to Wisconsin from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program
  • 16 eligible Wisconsin communities to receive CMAQ funds
  • 80 percent federal cost share for assisting eligible communities with transportation projects
  • $1.1 billion in funding for key transportation investments in the 2025-27 Biennial Budget
  • 10 percent increase in paratransit aids, generating an additional $687,600
  • 10 years of milestones for carbon reduction, with a goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050
  • 53 projects across the state to bolster the state's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Sources:

  • Governor of Wisconsin News Release, Madison, 2023 (no date provided)
  • [Wisconsin Department of Transportation](https://wisdot.wi.gov/)
  • [National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program](https://www.transportation.gov/federal-highway-administration/programs/infrastructure/investments/ev-infrastructure)