Budget committee approves $350 million in borrowing for road construction projects

MADISON —The Legislature's budget-writing committee has voted to approve $350 million in borrowing to pay for  road construction projects across Wisconsin.

All four Democrats joined six Republicans to support the borrowing.

Approving the borrowing most directly affects five major projects that faced delays up to two years without the additional money.

Those projects are expansion and reconstruction of Highway 10/441 in the Fox Valley and the Interstate 39-90 lane expansion from the Illinois state line to Madison.

The others are expanding and reconstructing the Highway 151/Verona Road interchange in Madison, reconstructing 11 miles of Highway 15 near New London in Outagamie County and completing work on Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.

Democrats called for raising taxes and fees to pay for transportation needs long term.