1000 Friends of Wisconsin

Jan 14, 2020

GOP lawmakers question $21M in cost overruns on Highway 23 project

A group of Republican lawmakers are raising concerns about likely cost overruns on the planned reconstruction of State Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan Counties.

Mar 27, 2019

HIGHWAY 23 REVISITED: Environmental group drops challenge, signalling May start for long-delayed project

It has been two decades since state officials first approved an expansion of Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties. Now, after years of delays and legal wrangling, the work is expected to start this spring.

Oct 15, 2018

WisDOT approves report for long-delayed Highway 23 project

Construction of a long-delayed expansion of Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties could be in reach after the Wisconsin Department of Transportation issued a crucial environmental report on Monday.

Sep 6, 2018

GETTING HIS ‘EDGE’: Fraley’s career takes unexpected detour into politics

Brian Fraley’s career in political communications grew from a simple necessity: He needed money.

Jun 15, 2015

Blurred lanes: State, Legislature, advocates argue over road funding priorities

With a state committee edging toward wrapping up its budget deliberations, lawmakers are seeking to slash transportation borrowing while a diverse coalition pushes to scale back planned expansions of major highways.

May 28, 2015

Groups argue traffic projections undermine WisDOT’s expansion plans

An alternative budget proposal assembled by environmental advocates suggests lawmakers could save Wisconsin taxpayers nearly $500 million by cutting highway expansion projects planned for the next two years. The savings could instead be used to pay for long-deferred local projects while also reducing the state’s increasing reliance on bonds to pay for roadwork.

May 14, 2015

Where to build? Follow the millennials’ migration

Millennials are forgoing cars and moving downtown. Or, depending on which study you believe, perhaps they're not.

Mar 19, 2015

Groups say I-94 widening money should be used to fix local streets

A large part of the $850 million state officials want to spend on widening Interstate 94 could instead go to many southeastern Wisconsin roads that are in urgent need of repair, according to a new study.

Mar 3, 2015

Transit improvements stalled by I-94 redevelopment

A new report recommends dedicated bus lanes or shoulders to improve public transportation, but a planned redevelopment of Interstate 94 would preclude that possibility.

Nov 17, 2014

WisDOT proposes fee for electric cars (UPDATE)

Wisconsin would join five other states that impose special fees on owners of electric vehicles, in an attempt to help make up for revenue drivers of those fuel-efficient cars aren't paying in gas taxes, under a road-funding proposal put forward by Gov. Scott Walker's administration.

Oct 14, 2014

Walker considers replacing gas tax with sales tax

Gov. Scott Walker told the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board that he is thinking about proposing that Wisconsin's gas tax be replaced with a sales tax, a move he says could help stabilize the state's transportation fund as it faces a $680 million shortfall in the next budget.

Feb 25, 2014

Bill seeks local say for roundabout projects (UPDATE)

General acceptance of roundabouts is likely to increase in time but the safety benefits of them might not, at least not without some public education.