RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — Help is on the way from the state level for Wisconsin roads and railways.
That’s the word from State Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb, who stopped at the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport to talk with local officials.
Gottlieb confirmed that Governor Scott Walker recommending more funds in general transporation aids.
He said, “We’re going to have the largest state highway rehabilitation budget in the history of the state.That is money that typically flows to rural,two-lane highways.”
Governor Walker will release his budget recommendations early next year.
There’s been concerned over maintaining rail travel to the northwoods, as well. Oneida County Economic Development Director Roger Luce showed the Secretary an aerial map of several businesses on Highway 8 west that depend on rail service.
Later, Gottlieb said ‘freight rail is always a challenge’, but they’re putting together a plan to keep service viable.
“Every time we can put a load of timber on a rail car instead of hauling it down the highway, that’s good for everybody. That’s good for our infrastructure, it’s good for the timber industry. We want to be as supportive as we can, to make sure that service can be provided.”
Gottlieb says freight providers are private businesses and make their own decisions, but he thinks if all parties work together, it will benefit all.
Interview by Ken Krall, WXPR.
