Letter to Senator Marklein and Representative Born, Joint Finance Committee Members

Sen. Howard Marklein
Co-Chair, Joint Finance Committee
Room 316 East
State Capitol
Madison, WI 53707

Rep. Mark Born
Co-Chair, Joint Finance Committee
Room 308 East
State Capitol
Madison, WI 53708

RE: Support for sufficient I-94 E-W project funding in the 2025-27 budget

Dear Senator Marklein and Representative Born,

As a coalition of businesses, economic development organizations, institutions, and stakeholders deeply committed to Southeast Wisconsin’s prosperity, we urge your support for robust funding in the 2025-27 state budget to modernize the I-94 East-West Corridor. This vital artery, connecting metro Milwaukee and Waukesha County, is a cornerstone of commerce for the region and the entire state, with 27% of jobs and 35% of businesses in the seven-county region within five miles of the Stadium Interchange.

This 60-year-old stretch, situated between the upgraded Marquette and Zoo interchanges, is outdated and ill-equipped to handle current traffic demands. Modernizing this corridor is essential to enhance safety, alleviate congestion, and maximize the state’s prior investments in adjacent infrastructure.

After extensive analysis, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) identified an 8-lane corridor with a diverging diamond interchange at the Stadium Interchange as the preferred alternative. This plan accounts for post-pandemic traffic patterns, safety concerns, and environmental impacts.

We respectfully request the legislature to allocate sufficient funding to keep this critical project on track.

Delays will only increase the project’s cost, with inflation having already driven up estimates for this long-overdue initiative. Each year of delay adds millions to the project’s price tag and undermines Wisconsin’s economic competitiveness and the safety of our residents.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration. We stand ready to collaborate with you to ensure the I-94 East-West Corridor continues to drive prosperity for our region and state.

Sincerely,
Andrew Davis, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
Suzanne Kelley, Waukesha County Business Alliance
Tracy Johnson, Commercial Association of REALTORS® WI
Jim Villa, NAIOP, Wisconsin Chapter

CC: Joint Finance Committee members

Click here to read the full letter.