Delays and Broken Promises: Scott Walker Budget Proposal Pushes Racine County I-94 Project Back ... Again

RACINE COUNTY-- Gov. Scott Walker proposes to address an approximately $1.3 billion shortfall in State road funding by borrowing $500 million while making cuts, and delaying major projects in southeastern Wisconsin.

Among the projects Walker wants to delay is the widening the I-94 north/south corridor through Racine County to four lanes in each direction.

State Senate Republican Van Wanggaard voiced his concerns over broken promises and another delay:

“On a snowy night 5 1/2 years ago, I was told that work on I-94 in Racine And Kenosha Counties would be prematurely halted so that work could start on the Zoo Interchange. I was promised at that time and repeatedly since that the I-94 N-S expansion would be completed in the 17-19 budget," Wanggaard said in a release issued Thursday morning.

“Road safety and economic development in Racine and Kenosha County is just as important as in Milwaukee, Rock and Outagamie counties. Especially when the designated funding for this project was repurposed for the project in Milwaukee County. I intend to hold people to their word. Taxpayers deserve nothing less.”

5 Takeaways from Walker's transportation budget proposal

According to a news release issued by the Governor's office Thursday morning, here are 5 key takeaways from Walker's transportation budget proposal:

1. More transportation funding for all levels of local government. Local governments will receive a $65 million increase in aid.
2. No tax or fee increases. For decades, Wisconsin’s gas tax has been among the highest in the nation and is currently among the top 10 states in the nation for the highest gas excise tax. Governor Walker made it clear in the 2014 campaign that he would not support a tax or fee increase without a corresponding decrease in other state taxes.
3. $1.7 billion in funding for the State Highway Rehabilitation Program. This would be the largest level of funding for the program in history.
4. Commitment to traffic safety and maintenance. $605 million in total funding is proposed for county and statewide efforts to maintain our roads and improve safety.
5. The lowest level of borrowing since the 2001 – 2003 state budget. This budget will include $500 million in bonding for the Department of Transportation, which is a significant 41% reduction in borrowing from the last budget and it maintains the state’s responsible long-term debt level.

Image Source: WISDOT traffic camera