Government and Politics
May 2, 2024
From: Wisconsin Governor Tony EversAudio File to Radio Address.
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address highlighting his annual statewide “Pothole Patrol” tour to fix potholes across Wisconsin and discuss his administration’s investments to improve local roads and highways across the state. Gov. Evers has previously gone on “Pothole Patrol” tours during his time in office, including in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, making this the fourth year in a row the governor has conducted his tour.
Hey there, folks. Governor Tony Evers here.
Before I took office, years of disinvestment had caused our roads and bridges to crumble into disrepair.
So, when I ran for governor, I promised to fix the darn roads, and we’ve been hard at work ever since doing just that.
Since 2019, our administration has improved over 7,424 miles of road and 1,780 bridges, including over 900 miles of road and over 200 bridges just this last year alone.
And we’re not slowing down in 2024!
This week, I’m traveling across the state on “Pothole Patrol,” filling potholes, talking with local leaders, and fixing the darn roads myself!
When I visit communities across our state, it’s clear that every pothole filled, street resurfaced, or bridge reconstructed made people’s lives a little better, a little easier, and a whole lot safer.
That’s why fixing the darn roads has been such a critical priority for me and my administration, and I am proud of the significant investments we have made to do this important work.
During my time in office, we’ve secured some of the largest investment our state’s transportation budget has seen in years, all while keeping debt service payments low.
And I was proud to secure historic increases in shared revenue for local communities, including a 20 percent increase for most municipalities statewide that will enable local governments to invest in community needs—like local roads.
As transportation funding continues to grow, so does the number of projects. In fact, there are more than 300 state highway and bridge improvement projects scheduled across Wisconsin each year.
So, that old joke is right, there are two seasons in Wisconsin: winter and construction season—but that’s a good thing.
It means we’re getting to work to build the 21st-century infrastructure Wisconsinites expect and deserve.
Thank you.