The opportunity?
Wisconsin’s economy is driven by a nearly $105 billion agricultural industry that transports more than 5.3 million tons of agricultural products, valued at $1.6 billion, over the state’s roads every year. Wisconsin’s rural roadway conditions, specifically weight limitations, represent a significant cost to the industry.

What is the “fix,” and how does it benefit the Ag industry?
The 2023-25 budget established the $150 million Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) to fund projects to improve rural roads, bridges, and culverts, negatively impacting Wisconsin farmers, producers, and the state’s agricultural industry. First-round ARIP applications were submitted earlier this year and greatly exceeded available funding, reflecting the statewide need for improved rural roads.

In July, 37 projects in 28 counties were awarded $50M in the first round of ARIP funding. These projects will benefit various agricultural industries, including forestry, dairy, animal, grain/feed, manure/fertilizer, ethanol, potato and other vegetables, cranberry, and other producers. These industries support about 2,300 Wisconsin agriculture jobs.

View the ARIP round 1 project awards list here.

What makes the investment possible?
Thanks to a historic budget surplus of about $7 billion going into the 2023-25 budget cycle, the state was able to move a sizeable one-time infusion of general funds for ARIP and other transportation programs.

What’s next?
$100 million is available in the second round of funding, with awards announced late in December or early January.