Lea Collins-Worachek

The committee held a tabletop discussion focused on maritime freight and air cargo systems in Wisconsin. Key topics included analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for both sectors. Discussions explored the impact of seasonality on maritime operations, the need for icebreaking infrastructure, dredging challenges, and intermodal connectivity. Regarding air cargo, the meeting addressed the potential benefits of the Milwaukee Air Cargo Terminal for manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and data center sectors, as well as the competitive landscape, operational challenges, workforce development, and strategies for expanding air cargo capacity across the state.

This document presents the May CY26 Amendment to the 2025-2028 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). It details numerous transportation projects across various counties, providing information on project schedules, estimated costs, and project statuses such as 'Advanced' or 'Deferred'. The amendment also includes a section on Section 5310 projects, outlining grants, recipients, and federal funding for transit initiatives.

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.