Elizabeth Garland

The council discussed legislative updates regarding DNR revenue streams and efforts to improve bicycling initiatives. A presentation was provided on open records and ethics training for council members. Other key topics included a research report on pedestrian and bicyclist traffic injuries, a collaborative project to develop a Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, and a review of the 2025 Annual Report. Agency updates were shared by the Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Health Services, Department of Public Instruction, and the Wisconsin Bike Fed.

This document is an amendment to the 2025-2028 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). It outlines an updated list of transportation projects across various counties and regions, detailing project schedules, estimated costs, and types of improvements such as design, construction, resurfacing, and traffic operations. The amendment also includes a comprehensive list of competitive grants awarded, focusing on areas like roadway reconstruction, transit system enhancements, ADA accessibility upgrades, and safety action plans.

The Merrimac Ferry Performance and Reliability Improvement Study aims to enhance service reliability, ensure long-term sustainable operations, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of the Merrimac Ferry. It identifies short-term improvements for the existing Colsac III vessel, including cable wash system installation, hydraulic system upgrades, and fire suppression updates. For long-term solutions, the study assesses five vessel alternatives: repowering the existing vessel with diesel, hybrid diesel-electric, or all-electric propulsion, or constructing a new vessel with hybrid diesel-electric or all-electric propulsion. These alternatives are evaluated against operational requirements, sustainability goals, and reliability targets, with a planning horizon extending to 2050. Future phases will involve preliminary design, stakeholder engagement, agency coordination, and exploration of funding opportunities.

The meeting agenda includes a call to order and review of the December 2025 minutes. Key discussion items cover Legislative Initiatives and presentations on 'All Kids Bike' by Ryan McFarland, and 'Bicycle Issues from RPC Perspective' by Jennie Mayer from the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Council business items involve member highlights, discussion on Out-of-Class Electric Vehicles, and the Bicycle Toolkit wrap-up. The agenda concludes with agency and partner reports, updates on Inclusion and Equity Initiatives, and adjournment.

This document outlines planned transportation improvement projects for the 2025-2028 period across numerous counties. The strategic focus encompasses a diverse range of infrastructure enhancements, including new road construction, resurfacing, and rehabilitation projects. Key areas of improvement also involve bridge and culvert replacements and repairs, as well as safety and operational upgrades such as signal installations, intersection modifications, and railroad crossing safety enhancements. Furthermore, the plan addresses utility relocation and multimodal transport initiatives, including the development of bike and pedestrian trails, all aimed at maintaining and upgrading the regional transportation networks.