Groups Rally To Protect Transportation Fund

MADISON, Wis. -- As lawmakers try to figure out the state's budget shortfall, road builders are urging them to reject a raiding of transportation funds.

Groups gathered at the Capitol Tuesday, saying that further reductions in state highway projects could be devastating to the state, both in terms of jobs lost and its affect on businesses.

"Today we are making the rounds in the Capitol to ask administration and legislators for a commitment now that transportation should not once again fix the general fund deficit. And if we hear, 'Don't worry; everything will be okay,' we will send a clear message that that is absolutely unacceptable," said Pat Goss, executive director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association.

The group said $261 million in highway projects over the next two months could be canceled or scaled back unless an agreement comes soon on a budget repair package.