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MSA says DOT won’t cost-share Wisconsin Avenue work; village told to expect phased closures and possible water-rate increase
Summary
Drew Lindh of engineering firm MSA told the Frederic Village Board that the state Department of Transportation will not cost-share certain work on the Wisconsin Avenue project scheduled for 2028, and described plans to close two stretches of Wisconsin Avenue for up to 30 days each; he also flagged a potential need to raise water utility rates.
Amanda Blackmon, president of the Frederic Village Board, opened the April 14 meeting with an update from MSA on a multi-year road project affecting Wisconsin Avenue.
Drew Lindh of MSA told the board the Department of Transportation has scheduled related work for 2028 but "refused to cost share with the Village on work that the Village needs to complete that the DOT would normally have to complete," a shift that could alter the Village's project budget and timeline. Lindh said the current plan is to "close down Wisconsin Avenue for up to 30 days from Linden to Elm and then from Elm to Cedar for 30 days," and warned that signs are not allowed along a state highway though they are permitted on private property and Village streets.
The update included an operational note about the village’s water utility: Lindh said the project and related needs have prompted discussion of a possible rate increase for the water utility to cover necessary work. Residents at the meeting questioned details of the closure schedule and how utility costs might be allocated.
Why it matters: the DOT's decision not to cost-share work the Village had expected to be covered could increase local costs or shift the timing of needed repairs. Prolonged closures on Wisconsin Avenue would affect traffic patterns and businesses along the route and require coordination with property owners and state rules on signage.
Board reactions and next steps: board members did not take a formal vote on funding or rate changes at the meeting; Lindh’s presentation provided the technical framing for future budget and policy decisions. The Village will need to reconcile the DOT schedule and funding stance with its own project plan and communicate closure timing to residents and businesses.
The board continued with other agenda items after the update; no final decision on water rates or cost-sharing was made at the April 14 meeting.
