Projects are included from the 6-year Highway Improvement Program, local highway and bridge improvement programs, transit programs, and other programs, such as the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Program. In contrast, for local projects, local governments propose projects based on their transportation priorities which then are included in the STIP depending on funding availability. WisDOT staff assist local units of government developing requests for funding for local highway and transit projects. The STIP development process includes additional public involvement opportunities. Hearings on the overall STIP are held if requested.
Rural transportation is supported by federal, state, and local funds.
State and federal funds are distributed to localities by competitive grants or by a statewide entitlement calculation. Transit programs are distributed primarily by formula. For the 6-year Highway Improvement Program, WisDOT establishes program guidelines that set the dollar level and number of state highway miles to be improved in each of its eight districts. The state also provides economic assistance grants aimed at creating more economic development in rural areas through the Transportation Economic Assistance grant program. WisDOT staff holds focus groups, listening sessions, and informational meetings during each stage in developing each long-range plan.