The Wisconsin Ag Coalition applauds the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate after both voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 247 yesterday. The bill, authored by Senators Marklein (R-Spring Green), Tomczyk (R-Mosinee) and Ballweg (R-Markesan), and Representatives Tranel (R-Cuba City) and VanderMeer (R-Tomah), creates an Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP) to provide grants for local governments to repair and rebuild crumbling roads and bridges that create problems for farmers.
“Improvement to agricultural infrastructure are long overdue here in Wisconsin,” said WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “This historic funding of $150 million will start to modernize rural infrastructure by directing grant funds to the roads supporting our global supply chain.”
The Ag Coalition thanks local government partners, other coalition members and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for their support to move this important initiative.
Wisconsin agriculture has been significantly impacted by supply chain issues in recent years, and poor rural road conditions place additional strain on the food supply chain. Consumers experience the effects of these challenges firsthand as they encounter rising prices and limited availability of food products in local grocery stores.
“Thank you to Senators Marklein, Tomczyk and Ballweg, and Representatives Tranel and VanderMeer for authoring this important legislation and to the members of the Wisconsin legislature for your support of Wisconsin agriculture,” added Krentz.
The Wisconsin Ag Coalition, a group of organizations representing agricultural interests in the state, praises the legislative action on this issue as a vital step towards revitalizing the agricultural economy.
The bill now goes to Governor Tony Evers’ desk for his signature.
The Wisconsin Ag Coalition includes: AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Bayer, Cooperative Network, Compeer Financial, CropLife America, Dairy Business Association, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Growmark, Insight FS, Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors, Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants, Wisconsin Biomass Energy Coalition, Wisconsin Biofuels Association, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Hemp Alliance, Wisconsin Horse Council, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.
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