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Local governments slow to seek Wisconsin road improvement dollars

A State Senator is disappointed in the small number of applications for Wisconsin’s Agricultural Road Improvement Program funding.

Howard Marklein tells Brownfield with the large number of town and county roads that need improvements to handle today’s heavy agricultural and forestry traffic, he’s surprised by the small number of grant applications. “We need a lot of applications because if there isn’t the demand, the chances are not that good that it’s going to be renewed in the next budget if we can’t demonstrate there is a need.”

Marklein says local governments are used to not having state assistance to improve substandard roads, and it’s important to take advantage of the ARIP program while they can. “There’s another 100-million dollars that’s open right now that expires on September 30th, and we just need our townships and our counties to step up and apply for it.”

Marklein says the simple, two-page grant application can be done easily, even in towns with small staffs that have little grant writing experience.  He’s finding that some local officials are reluctant to apply. “We say, well, you know what? Our project project doesn’t have a chance and it isn’t that big of a deal, and we wouldn’t qualify anyway but you know, you’re negotiating with yourself and that’s never a good thing to do and so, don’t do that. Let’s get as many applications in as possible.”

The Agricultural Road Improvement Program has already distributed fifty million dollars this year, and the deadline for the second round of 100 million dollars is at the end of September.  Marklein says the rural economy depends on making that first mile easier by eliminating the weight limits, and this program helps local governments reach that goal.

The dollars can be used to upgrade or repair roads, culverts, and bridges under 20 feet long.  The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has more information online, here.

AUDIO: Wisconsin State Senator Howard Marklein discusses the need for more ARIP applications.