WisDOT awards $1.5 million to finish project connecting Kwik Trip distribution center

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The state awarded a $1.5 million grant to finish road construction needed to serve a Kwik Trip distribution center in DeForest.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Gov. Tony Evers announced the Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant will go to the village of DeForest in Dane County. The funding will support 398 jobs in south central Wisconsin when construction is completed, according to officials.

“This investment will not only benefit Dane County and the surrounding communities, but it will help generate jobs, bring in revenue that will bolster our statewide economy, and benefit communities all across the state,” Evers said in a statement.

This is the second Kwik Trip Inc. distribution center in the state with the first in La Crosse, officials said. The project will expand Metro Drive, North Towne Road and Pepsi Way on the village’s west side, officials added.

The center will lower distribution costs including prices for consumers and help the La Crosse Center with growing production and delivery operations, officials said. It will also include a truck maintenance facility.

“This project is another example of how TEA grants have helped economic expansions all across the state,” Kristina Boardman, secretary of WisDOT, said in a statement. “We are excited to see the village of DeForest succeed with this project and want to thank all local partners involved for their hard work to make this project a reality,” she added.

The Evers administration awarded more than $11.9 million in TEA grants since 2019, which officials said contributed to an estimated more than 2,294 jobs and helped retain 5,608 jobs statewide.

“The village of DeForest is grateful for our partnership with WisDOT in providing essential support for one of Wisconsin’s most beloved companies—Kwik Trip,” said Jane Cahill Wolfgram, village president of DeForest.

“The grant award will facilitate the construction of critical roadway infrastructure, ensuring that increased truck traffic is safely accommodated,” said Bill Chang, village administrator of DeForest.

Municipalities and county governments must sponsor a TEA application, governor’s officials said. The project needs local government endorsement and must benefit the public, officials added.