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Connections
2030:
The
Wisconsin
Department
of
Transportation�s
Long-Range
Plan
By Jonquil Johnston, AICP, Program and Planning
Analyst
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
The Long Range Plan Update
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is currently
developing a statewide long-range transportation policy plan called
Connections 2030. Connections 2030 is an update of WisDOT�s long-range
plan completed in the 1990s, Translinks 21.
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The Connections 2030 planning process will build on the strengths of
Wisconsin�s current transportation network by identifying key
multi-modal transportation corridors needed to serve the travel
desires of the state�s citizens and to support economic development.
The regional corridor concept will permit: 1) analysis of travel
shifts among modes within a corridor, 2) analysis of travel shifts
between corridors, 3) prioritization of transportation investments by
corridor, and 4) presentation of plan recommendations by corridor.
The new long-range plan will serve as an aid to decision-makers in
answering transportation-related questions. The plan will include
policy recommendations for all transportation modes, including
highways, local roads and streets, transit, waterways, airports, rail,
bicycle, and pedestrian facilities, and for key issues such as land
use and economic development. WisDOT anticipates Connections 2030 will
be completed by spring 2006.
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Connections 2030 and Local Comprehensive
Plans
Currently, many local governments across Wisconsin are engaged in planning
efforts. Many of these communities are completing comprehensive plans
under Wisconsin�s Comprehensive Planning Law. Each comprehensive plan
requires a transportation element that must look at many of the same
transportation issues that WisDOT will examine in Connections 2030.
The statewide nature of Connections 2030 makes
the scale and scope of the plan broad and general. Nonetheless, it is
important for local governments to consider the state�s long-range plan
while making local transportation and land use decisions, and vice versa.
Local decisions on land use often influence how state transportation
resources will be invested in future projects. Coordinating local and
state plans allows for more consistency between plans and the greater
likelihood that plans will be implemented.
WisDOT hopes to look at the various components
of local comprehensive plans to assist in the identification of statewide
patterns and trends, similarities in vision, goals, and objectives, and
directives for regional and state-wide transportation issues.
Specifically, WisDot will examine local land use and transportation
elements to identify local and regional
connections between and within various modes of transportation. WisDOT
will also look to local comprehensive plans to understand how surrounding
land use activities impact critical statewide transportation corridors.
Opportunities for State and Local
Collaboration
WisDOT has an interest in participating in local planning efforts and has
placed a priority on this activity. With more than 1,000 Wisconsin
communities currently engaged in a comprehensive planning process or
having recently completed a plan, there are many opportunities for WisDOT
to coordinate with local governments on land use and transportation
planning.
Since the state Comprehensive Planning Law was
enacted in 1999, WisDOT staff have been involved in local comprehensive
planning efforts � serving as technical advisors, plan committee
participants, and in a variety of other capacities. During the plan
development phase of Connections 2030, WisDOT staff will continue to work
cooperatively with local governments to examine the relationship between
state transportation facilities and local land use.
What Has Been Completed So Far?
Telephone Survey
WisDOT conducted a statewide telephone survey in spring 2004 for
Connections 2030. A total of 1,100 Wisconsin residents were randomly
selected to participate. Topics included overall transportation in Wis
consin, quality of life, congestion, and safety. Copies of the executive
summary of the survey results and a complete report can be downloaded
shortly at
www.wiconnections2030.gov. For questions on the report or to request a
printed copy, call (608) 264-7757 or email
connections2030@dot.state.wi.us.
Stakeholder Meetings
Beginning in May 2004, WisDOT staff started meeting with statewide
transportation stakeholder organizations and large municipalities. The
meetings serve two purposes: 1) to inform stakeholders about the
long-range transportation plan process, and 2) to identify
transportation-related issues facing Wisconsin. To date, WisDOT has met
with over 20 groups. Meetings will continue into the fall. When all
meetings are complete, a summary report will be prepared and meeting
minutes will be placed on the Connections 2030 web site.
For more information about the stakeholder
meetings, contact
Casey Newman at (608) 266-1862 (email:
kenneth.newman@dot.state.wi.us)
or
Bobbi Retzlaff at (608) 264-7266 (email:
bobbi.retzlaff@dot.state.wi.us).
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How Can You Get Involved?
Newsletter
To add your name to the mailing list of our newsletter, Staying
Connected, please e-mail
connections2030@dot.state.wi.us, call (608) 264-7757, or write to
the address at right.
Connections 2030 Web Site
WisDOT has created a web site dedicated to Connections 2030. The web
address is www.wiconnections2030.gov. The site is designed to keep
interested persons informed of the status of the planning process,
alert persons to opportunities for public involvement, and provide a
means for citizens to ask a question or submit a comment or concern.
In addition, WisDOT will periodically post a question and allow
interested persons to submit responses. WisDOT will review the
responses and share some of the responses online. We encourage you to
check the web site regularly!
WisDOT shares with local governments a
vested interest in a safe and efficient transportation system. For
Connections 2030 to be successful, we need your help! Your involvement
and input into the planning process will help ensure Connections 2030
meets the needs of Wisconsin residents. Public involvement
opportunities will be available throughout the planning process. We
encourage you to become involved! |
Connections 2030 Contact
Information
Interested individuals are
encouraged to submit questions, comments or concerns at any time by
writing, emailing, or calling:
Connections 2030
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
PO Box 7913, Room 901
Madison, WI 53707-7913
Phone: (608) 264-7757
Fax: (608) 267-0294
Email:
connections2030@dot.state.wi.us
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This article has been reviewed for form and
content by Rebecca Roberts of the Center for Land Use Education. Any
errors, mistakes and omissions remain the responsibility of the author.
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