Evers Proposes $3.8B For WI Infrastructure Projects Amid Surplus

WISCONSIN — Democrat Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Tuesday unveiled a proposal to spend $3.8 billion on various types of infrastructure across the state.

A large chunk of the proposal, around $1.8 billion, would go to the University of Wisconsin System; While other funding could go toward natural resources and state parks, veterans homes, the State Capitol, juvenile justice reforms and investments and several other initiatives, according to a news release from the governor's office.

The proposals come as part of Evers' 2023-2025 Capital Budget Agency Requests and Governor's Recommendations, which can be read in full through the Wisconsin Department of Administration website.

A report from the Associated Press noted the proposal will have to go to the building commission on March 23 with later approval required from Republicans in the Legislature.

If approved in full, Evers' proposal could affect projects in 28 counties. Evers noted that half of the cash for the proposal would come from the state's surplus versus borrowing in previous years.

“Our budget is all about investing in the future of our people, our communities, and our state to bolster our workforce, prepare our state and our economy for the future, and maintain our economic momentum by building our economy from the ground up," said Evers in the release. "Our historic surplus means we have historic opportunity and responsibility—to invest in key projects that have long been neglected while still staying well within our means, keeping borrowing low, and saving taxpayers money in the long run, and that's exactly what our Capital Budget does."

See also: Wisconsin Budget Surplus Expected To Grow To $6.5B Over Fiscal Year

Republican Co-chair of the Legsislature's budget committee, Rep. Mark Born, said the Legislature will prioritize projects to ensure a strong position in the future, though accused Evers' proposal of "unrealistic growth," according to

Some other noteworthy proposals from Evers included:

• Continued support for a new Wisconsin History Museum with a further $60 million investment.
• New renewable energy capabilities in state facilities.
• Providing $616 million for all state agencies to address repair projects.
• Supporting community projects that offer a statewide purpose including: the Bronzeville Center for the Arts, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee Iron District, Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center in Janesville, Green Bay National Railroad Museum, Children’s Wisconsin, Marquette University School of Dentistry, and the Door County Peninsula Players Theatre.