Contact: Sasha Johnson
Tel.: (202) 366-5370
Email: Sasha.Johnson@dot.gov
Racine County Project is Largest Recovery Project to Start in Wisconsin
Washington, DC – U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari, along with Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, broke ground today on the County Trunk Highway G Interchange construction project in Racine County, Wisconsin. The project, which received $19.6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, is currently the largest ARRA-funded project in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation estimates that 200 or more direct jobs will be created as a result of the project.
“This project is what the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is all about,” said Deputy Secretary Porcari. “It’s about putting Americans back to work as soon as possible, on projects that make a real difference in the quality of life for the folks who live and work in the area. Working together, we’re going to keep the Wisconsin economy moving, bring relief to middle class families, and improve transportation for the nation.”
“One of the best ways we can position Wisconsin for long-term growth is by investing today in the infrastructure that makes our cities and towns prosperous tomorrow,” said Governor Doyle. “A quality transportation system serves as the foundation of our state’s economy. And good roads are an extremely valuable economic asset that can play a vital role in determining where a business will locate or expand.”
Brandon Nesler, site Foreman on the Highway G project, was laid off from his construction job last year after 16 years of service. After several months of unemployment, Mr. Nesler was hired by Relyco, Inc. to oversee grading work on the recovery project.
“Whenever the government spends money to create work for people that are willing to strap on boots, pack a lunch and go to work, it’s a good thing,” said Mr. Nesler. “We need it; the state needs it; and so do all these men and women.”
