Governor Scott McCallum's 2001-2003 budget upholds the State Highway Plan and keeps the public trust that all available funds are dedicated to a safe and efficient transportation system. It maintains existing revenue sources for transportation, while framing the discussion for future fee adjustments. The State Highway Plan outlines a comprehensive, long-range strategy to ensure that Wisconsin's highways meet the needs of businesses and citizens. Without improvement, roads will become rough and hazardous, and some bridges may need to be posted to restrict truck traffic. Compromising safely as we forego needed structural improvements, as pavements deteriorate, and as congestion grows.
Transportation is the heartbeat of Wisconsin's economy.
With growing concern about the health of the economy, it is more important than ever to provide quality infrastructure and services to ensure solid economic opportunities. I welcome tlie discussion of transportation financing. I am confident tliat legislators and citizens will see that transportation is vital to our state, and that Governor McCallum's budget offers cost effective solutions to take care of today's needs, within available resources, while preparing for the future.