January 7, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
State Representative Kim Hixson/608-266-9650
HIXSON HELPS SECURE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FOR DISTRICT
MADISON – State Rep. Kim Hixson announced Wednesday the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has awarded a 2009 Supplemental Transportation Rural Assistance Program (STRAP) grant to Janesville, Milton, Whitewater and UW-Whitewater.
The STRAP grant will fund a feasibility study for:
§ Establishing commuter bus service between Janesville, Milton, and Whitewater, including the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus, and the rural areas in between these communities
§ Establishing an internal transit service within Milton
§ Reviewing and upgrading the shared-ride taxi service in the Whitewater
“Comprehensive transportation planning in our area is critical to economic development and job creation. Potential employers want to be certain their workers have reliable transportation,” Hixson said. “I was pleased to bring officials together from these communities last spring to address the important issue of transportation. I look forward to working with all parties involved to ensure we have the best result for the people of the 43rd Assembly District.”
In spring 2008, Hixson worked with community leaders to organize a series of transportation summits to assess the transportation needs of the region.
“Kim was personally involved in getting this project off the ground. He understood the need and potential for the study, and he really picked up the ball and ran with it,” stated David Mumma, Transit Director for the City of Janesville. “Based on my experience, I would expect the study will conclude by late 2009 or early 2010. Depending on the findings of the study, and the ability of the various stakeholders to raise the necessary operating funds, service could begin by the fall of 2010.”
According to DOT officials, the project has been awarded a grant of up to $44,160. The state will pay 75 percent of the feasibility study, while the communities of Janesville, Milton, and Whitewater and the UW-Whitewater will pick up the additional 25 percent of the costs bringing the grand total to a maximum of $58,965.
“Wisconsin is the only state in the nation to receive these federal funds to develop new approaches to support public transportation in rural areas,” said Governor Jim Doyle in his announcement about the grant.