State Gets $160 Million To Fund I-94 Expansion Project

WISCONSIN — Wisconsin is getting $160 million in grant funding to support upgrading the I-94 corridor through Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha Counties to complete a massive freeway project ahead of schedule.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation applied for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant in October 2017, asking for funding to allow the DOT to complete upgrading of the I-94 North-South project by 2021, rather than 2032, in order to support the large-scale development that will have very positive impacts on region and state economies.

Plans for the freeway upgrade call for converting I-94 from three to four lanes from south of College Ave. in Milwaukee County to state Highway 142 in Kenosha County. The state had requested $246.2 million.

“This investment will ensure that the I-94 freeway can continue to play a vital role in helping manufacturers and small businesses transport their products to the markets they serve, connecting workers to job opportunities and strengthening our Made in Wisconsin economy," Sen. Tammy Baldwin said in a prepared statement. Baldwin was one of several state officials who helped secure the funding.

Officials at the DOT say the final phase is needed to complete the remaining project, improve safety, and to facilitate existing and projected traffic. The completed North-South project will provide safe and efficient travel to help facilitate new job and economic development opportunities for the region.

Seaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said in a prepared statement: “The announcement of this grant is outstanding news for Racine County, southeast Wisconsin and the entire state. The economic growth in this region is about to explode and we must have a safe and reliable roadway. I applaud Governor Walker for fighting for this federal assistance and moving up the completion date by eleven years. "

According to the governor’s office, this is the largest Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant received by Wisconsin and the second largest grant from USDOT this year.

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