Gov. Evers and WisDOT Announce $100 Million for Infrastructure Improvements
In a major boost for Wisconsin’s agricultural sector, Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) have announced a $100 million investment aimed at improving rural roads and infrastructure. The funding will be used for 55 improvement projects across the state, which will enhance roads and culverts crucial for transporting agricultural products.
The announcement, made on February 6, 2025, signals the state’s commitment to improving the infrastructure that supports its vital agricultural economy. The funding is part of the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP), which was created to ensure that rural farmers have the necessary infrastructure to get their products to market efficiently.
Improving Rural Infrastructure for Farmers
The $100 million investment is designed to address the needs of Wisconsin’s farmers, who rely on well-maintained roads to move their goods. The funding will be used to enhance both roadways and culverts, which play a vital role in safely transporting agricultural products across the state. The goal is to provide farmers with better access to markets and improve transportation efficiency across rural areas.
Gov. Evers emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements for the state’s agricultural sector, noting that the state’s agriculture industry contributes a $116 million economic impact and supports over 350,000 jobs. The governor pointed out that investments in roads and infrastructure not only improve safety for all residents but also help ensure that the products grown and produced in Wisconsin can be transported to meet global demand.
“Good roads and infrastructure are crucial, not just for safety, but for ensuring that our farmers can get their products to market and put food on the tables of families worldwide,” Gov. Evers stated during the announcement. “Our agricultural and food processing sectors are central to Wisconsin’s economy, and we must continue to invest in modernizing our infrastructure to support these industries.”
The Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP)
The announcement marks the second round of funding under the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP), which was established by Gov. Evers in 2021. The program is part of the Local Roads Improvement Program, which was expanded through the 2013 Wisconsin Act 13. With a focus on improving roads that provide access to agricultural land and facilities, ARIP is essential for maintaining the smooth flow of goods from rural Wisconsin to urban areas and beyond.
The first round of ARIP grants was announced in July 2024, and the second round continues to build on the success of the program. This year’s funding, which includes a portion from the 2023-2025 biennial budget, ensures that Wisconsin’s rural communities receive the infrastructure upgrades necessary for continued growth and development.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Agricultural Growth
Gov. Evers’ commitment to improving infrastructure is expected to have long-term benefits for both farmers and rural communities. As part of the 2023-2025 biennial budget, $150 million was allocated to further enhance Wisconsin’s agricultural infrastructure, including road improvements that will increase access to agricultural land and facilities.
With the new round of funding, the state is poised to see continued growth in its agricultural sector. Enhanced roads will facilitate the smoother movement of goods, which will help maintain Wisconsin’s competitive edge in the agricultural industry.
The latest announcement demonstrates the state’s commitment to supporting farmers and rural areas, helping them overcome the challenges they face in transporting their products. As Wisconsin’s agricultural industry continues to thrive, infrastructure improvements will play a key role in ensuring that the state’s farmers remain competitive in the global market.
| Program Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) |
| Amount | $100 million |
| Projects Funded | 55 improvement projects across rural areas |
| Focus | Road and culvert improvements for farmers |
| Economic Impact | $116 million from the agriculture sector |
| Jobs Supported | 350,000+ jobs in Wisconsin’s agricultural industry |
| Governor’s Statement | Importance of infrastructure for farmers’ market access |