Marquette County board urges state to adopt comprehensive transportation funding solution

The Marquette County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17 adopted Resolution No. 4-2026, which "strongly urges the Governor of Wisconsin and the State Legislature to enact a comprehensive, sustainable transportation funding solution" to support reconstruction, preservation and safety investments on state and local systems.

Introduced by Supervisors David Benson and Lance Achterberg, the resolution cites concerns that state transportation aids have not kept pace with inflation and growing construction costs, leaving local governments with funding shortfalls for routine maintenance and pavement preservation. The text references programs such as the Local Roads Improvement Program Supplemental (LRIP-S) and the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) as examples of state support that local governments rely on.

The resolution states that long-term, predictable revenue is needed and recommends adjustments to transportation user fees and prudent use of General Purpose Revenue and bonding to sustain purchasing power. It also notes findings about small bridge conditions and the fiscal constraints local governments face under levy limits.

The board adopted the resolution by roll call: Ayes 15; Noes 0; Absent 2. The resolution directs the county clerk to transmit a copy to the Governor’s office, members of the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly representing districts within Marquette County, and the Wisconsin Counties Association.

The adoption reflects the county’s formal request that state policymakers consider revenue measures to address deferred maintenance, safety investments, and the long-term competitiveness of Wisconsin’s transportation network.