Oshkosh seeks to “Re-VITAL-ize” state roads

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WISS) – The recently passed state transportation budget included increases to the State Highway Rehabilitation Program.

Community leaders, lawmakers, and emergency responders held a press conference in Oshkosh on Monday for Re-VITAL-ize, and to call attention to the need for long-term funding for Wisconsin’s Transportation system.

The “Re-VITAL-ize” campaign, led by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and the Transportation Development Association, aims to raise awareness about the challenges communities face in maintaining roadways. 

Oshkosh Mayor Matt Mugerauer said guaranteeing funding for improvements and maintenance of state highways through municipalities is not a partisan political issue, but one that affects and benefits all.

“It’s not going to be a surprise that the cost of everything continues to go up. And so funding needs to keep pace with the cost to fund these construction projects and keep them on schedule,” Mugerauer said. “We think the residents of Oshkosh and communities like Oshkosh throughout the state want more investment in these roads. And they deserve it.”

Cooperation is VITAL

Oshkosh Director of Public Works James Rabe stated that the state must maintain the transportation improvement schedule, as it impacts how municipalities plan and improve their infrastructure, not just for roads, but also for sewer, water, and stormwater.

“Oshkosh does have a long history of dealing with stormwater issues. We are located right on the Fox River in Lake Winnebago. That creates some very unique challenges for us in managing stormwater. Doing these projects together makes the most sense.

Debby Jackson, Executive Director of the Transportation Development of Wisconsin, speaking after the press conference, said municipalities rely on the state staying on schedule with its projects.  

“The municipalities and the state absolutely have to coordinate,” Jackson said. “It makes no sense to have a city rip up a road, do the infrastructure underneath, and then have the state come by and fix it later.”

In addition to city leaders, State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) attended the press conference to encourage continued investment.

“Roads. Infrastructure. They really are the lifeblood of our communities and our economy,” Dassler-Alfheim said. “It is essential that we see investment as really not just an opportunity, but an obligation. There is no question in the last 15 years, the money coming in from the state to these lovely communities. Has really stretched our budgets thin. It’s put pressure on our taxpayers–pressure on our city budgets.”

State Rep. Lori Palmeri  (D – Oshkosh) said keeping on schedule with projects is essential. “Absolutely all of us need to work together to continue to get our complete streets and these projects done on time.”

The Re-VITAL-ize effort will continue throughout Wisconsin in the coming months with similar road tours in communities around the state. Follow the “Re-VITAL-ize” efforts the Facebook page: Re-VITAL-ize Wisconsin’s Community Highways.