By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin is investing $77.8 million in rural road improvements to support dairy processors and farmers. This funding is part of the Wisconsin Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) and accounts for 77 percent of the $101 million allocated in this phase.
“These impactful investments in Wisconsin’s rural road infrastructure are felt not only in dairy processing plants, but throughout the communities they serve. Our entire food supply chain depends on – and benefits from – programs like ARIP. We’re sincerely grateful to Governor Tony Evers, our strong partners at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle – in particular, State Senator Howard Marklein and State Representative Travis Tranel - who have worked collaboratively to make these grants a reality,” said WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney.
Several dairy processors are set to benefit from ARIP, including Agropur, Bel Brands, Chalet Cheese Cooperative, Decatur Dairy, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, and Mullins Cheese, among others. These improvements will enhance transportation infrastructure, ensuring smoother delivery of dairy products and supporting economic growth in rural areas.
The 2023-25 Wisconsin State Budget allocated $150 million to ARIP, with a total of $111.4 million granted so far. Nearly 300 applications have been submitted, requesting $507 million in funding. WCMA and the Wisconsin Ag Coalition are pushing for continued investment in future budgets to support the agricultural industry.
For details on ARIP and available funding, dairy businesses can visit WisCheeseMakers.org/Grants.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Livestock, Dairy Cattle