This week on “In Focus,” we explore the rising cost of transportation construction in Wisconsin, and the challenges of keeping up with necessary road construction projects without increased revenue coming in.

Recently, the Wisconsin Policy Forum published research called Road Map: Assessing and Funding Wisconsin’s Transportation Needs. The report looks into funding for the state’s transportation and infrastructure projects. The report shows that between 2020 and 2023 road construction costs rose about 26% in Wisconsin, while transportation spending only increased by around 5%.

State Sen. Cory Tomczyk, R-Mosinee, is chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government. Tomczyk joined Spectrum News 1 to discuss the impact the state budget has on transportation funding, and to address the unique challenges that rural Wisconsin communities face when it comes to transportation infrastructure.