Published date: March 18, 2025
GOOD NEWS: We’re close to getting money in the state budget to support municipal investments in equipment that will support Salt Wise practices. In his 2025-26 biennial budget, the Governor proposed a “Winter Safety Improvement Program” with $5 million in grant dollars. YAY!
BAD NEWS: Republican legislators plan to cut everything that the Democratic Governor proposed in his budget. I’ve been advised by a Republican legislator that we need to tweak this if we want to see the funding move forward (for instance, we need to change the dollar amount – so I’ve upped the request to $10 million and have expanded the eligibility to include private contractors – see attachment).
THE ASK: We need to demonstrate that there is support for this outside the Governor’s office.
We need municipal staff who understand the changing world of winter maintenance to:
- Reach out to your senator and representative. (Use the “Who are my Legislators?” tool: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/)
- Let them know that one-time grant dollars to support smarter salting practices can pay off with long-term salt and dollar savings.
- Include the attachment(click here for attachment)
- Optional: share a short personal note/agency-organizational success.
Timing: Before the end of April, sooner if possible.
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Optional text to use/tweak:
Dear Senator,
I’m reaching out to express my support for a Winter Maintenance Innovation and Efficiency Grant Program. Advances in snow and ice control including ground speed control systems, improved plow blade technologies, and the utilization of salt brine, enable annual road salt reductions of 25-50%. Unfortunately, the initial capital investment cost of this equipment prohibits many municipalities from tapping into these benefits. Grant program dollars for equipment and staff training can jumpstart long-term savings in annual salt use and reduced infrastructure repair costs, and protect our freshwater resources.
Please review the attached program proposal.
Personally, I have seen . . .
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Program Manager
Wisconsin Salt Wise