Board endorses WCHA model resolution urging sustainable state transportation funding

The Richland County Board considered and approved a resolution based on Wisconsin County Highways Association model language urging state leaders to establish sustainable, predictable transportation funding.

An agency official read the resolution's resolved clauses, which call on the governor and legislature "to enact a comprehensive sustainable transportation solution that provides adequate and reliable revenue growth for long-term planning and execution of state and local transportation programs," including prudent use of general-purpose revenue, bonding and adjustments to transportation user fees. "This is the same message we're going to take again in March when we go back to Washington, D.C.," the official said.

Board members discussed the county's constrained road budget, declining purchasing power and the difficulty of relying on variable state grant formulas (examples cited included LRIP changes from a 90/10 split to lower matching rates). One supervisor urged preparing for 2027–28 budget conditions and asked what services the county might forgo if funding does not improve. Another recommended continued outreach to legislators and suggested the wheel tax as one of the few local mechanisms available.

The board moved and approved forwarding the resolution (model WCHA language) for county action. Staff said they will continue to prioritize critical projects, monitor state schedules (including a state highway reconstruction preconstruction meeting next week), and present budget scenarios as part of future planning.

Next steps: the county will transmit the board's resolution to state leaders and continue local prioritization and legislative outreach.