MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – The state Legislature’s Finance Committee is scheduled to decide Wednesday afternoon whether to borrow an extra $200 million to shorten delays in the completions of highway projects.
Minority Democrats might have to provide some votes if the measure is to pass. That’s because Senate Republicans on the finance panel are against the bonding, saying it might have to be paid back with general tax dollars instead of transportation revenues.
Senate Democrat Jon Erpenbach of Middleton says his party has been undecided about okaying the extra funds.
The proposal comes after lawmakers removed $800 million in borrowing that Governor Scott Walker wanted in the new state budget. Instead, they approved $500 million and gave the finance panel the authority to consider an additional $350 million over two years.
In response to the earlier cut, the DOT stretched out 5 current major projects so they don’t finish for another two years.
The projects include the expansion and reconstruction of Highway 10/441 in the Fox Valley; Interstate 39-90 lane expansion from the Illinois state line to Madison; reconstructing 11 miles of Highway 15 near New London in Outagamie County; and completing work on Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
