Wisconsin Ag Connection - DBA Calls DOT Budget Request a Win for Farmers

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DBA Calls DOT Budget Request a Win for Farmers
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 11/19/2014

A Wisconsin farm group says Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb's budget request is creative and exhibits 'forward thinking.'

The Dairy Business Association issued a statement on the package, in which the DOT proposals are expected to generate approximately $750 million in additional transportation funding over the course of the two-year budget cycle.

Policy Director Laurie Fischer says the state's current transportation needs far outpace the revenue generated from existing sources of transportation funding.

"I think we all recognize that the current funding formula is not sustainable," Fischer said. "Revenue from gas taxes continues to fall while the cost of maintaining our vital infrastructure continues to rise. This proposal is an important first step in putting our transportation priorities back on track without having to rely on simply borrowing to complete road projects."

DBA President Jerry Meissner adds that the dairy industry relies on well-constructed roads to conduct business. He says addressing our transportation funding challenges is essential if Wisconsin agriculture is to continue to grow.

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