Transit panel to meet for first time since ’02

The Transportation Projects Commission will meet Oct. 19 for the first time in Gov. Jim Doyle’s tenure, according to a statement from State Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan’s office.

The 14-member TPC will review eight proposed highway projects in the state, including the estimated $1.02 billion Interstate 39/90 expansion.

Once the TPC, which was created in 1983, makes its decision on which projects should receive money, the recommendation will go to the state Legislature for approval in next year’s budget.

Sheridan appointed the five TPC members representing the state Assembly last month: Rep. John Steinbrink, D-Pleasant Prairie; Rep. Fred Clark, D-Baraboo; Rep. Mark Gottlieb, R-Port Washington; and Rep. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon; and himself.

Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Wausau, made his appointments representing the state Senate in February last year: Sen. Jim Holperin, D-Conover; Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay; Sen. Alan Lasee, R-De Pere; Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend; and himself.

Doyle will be chairman the committee, which will also include three citizen members — Lee Meyerhofer, senior local relations representative with American Transmission Co. LLC, Waukesha; Michael Ryan of Waunakee; and Leonard Sobczak, president-principal of Eastmore Real Estate Management Inc., Milwaukee.