Rebekah Sweeney, Senior Director of Programs & Policy at the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), emphasized the profound importance of these investments. She highlighted that enhancing rural road infrastructure is absolutely crucial for dairy processors and the myriad communities they support, as it directly strengthens the intricate supply chain and significantly improves road safety. The WCMA extended its sincere gratitude to lawmakers from both parties, specifically acknowledging Senator Howard Marklein and Representative Travis Tranel for their unwavering advocacy, and commending the collaborative efforts of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

The article details that the 2023-25 Wisconsin State Budget officially included this substantial $150 million in ARIP funding. A significant portion, $111.4 million, from two distinct award cycles, is slated to directly benefit Wisconsin dairy businesses. The report also names several dairy processors that have previously reaped the advantages of ARIP awards, illustrating the program’s tangible impact on the ground and its role in boosting dairy economics.

The WCMA has been a consistent and vocal advocate for ARIP’s continued funding, working tirelessly alongside key partners such as the Wisconsin Ag Coalition, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and the Dairy Business Association. This collaborative advocacy underscores the collective recognition of road infrastructure as a backbone for the state’s agricultural vitality and competitiveness within the broader international dairy community.