OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Gov. Tony Evers made a stop in Oshkosh as part of his annual “Pothole Patrol” tour, highlighting the need for continued investment in Wisconsin’s roads, bridges, and infrastructure in the upcoming state budget.
Now in its fifth year, the “Pothole Patrol” tour gives the governor a chance to meet with local public works crews and transportation leaders, while also drawing attention to the state’s ongoing infrastructure needs. This year’s visit was joined by representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and local officials.
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Since taking office in 2019, Gov. Evers has made infrastructure a top priority, overseeing improvements to more than 8,600 miles of roads and 2,000 bridges across the state. To put that in perspective, that’s enough road to drive from Wausau, Wisconsin, to Disney World in Florida and back, three times.
“Infrastructure isn’t just about fixing potholes. It’s about making sure our communities can grow and thrive,” Gov. Evers said. “We’ve made historic progress, but there’s still more work to do.”
In his 2025-27 Executive Budget, Gov. Evers proposed over $2.6 billion for the State Highway Rehabilitation Program, marking a $397 million increase from the previous cycle. Other key transportation proposals in the budget include:
- $100 million for the Local Roads Improvement Supplement Program;
- $50 million for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP);
- $790 million for major highway development, including I-41 and I-43 expansions;
- More than $300 million to continue work on the I-94 East/West project;
- Increases to general transportation and county forest road aid programs.
However, many of these proposals were recently stripped from the budget by the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee. Among the cuts were funds for ARIP, transit capital assistance, expressway policing, and local traffic calming grants.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep moving forward, but these cuts are a step in the wrong direction,” said Evers. “Strong infrastructure means safer roads, more jobs, and better opportunities for families and businesses across Wisconsin.”
The governor’s visit in Oshkosh is part of a broader push to rally public support for restoring these investments in the final budget. With infrastructure shaping up to be a key issue in the upcoming legislative session, the “Pothole Patrol” is once again putting Wisconsin’s roads, and those who depend on them, front and center.
