TDA: On The Go Podcast Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin

Wisconsin is on the verge of strengthening and expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging station network.
On the latest On the Go podcast, Kaleb Vander Wiele, Transportation Electrification Project Manager at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, talks with TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson about the exciting plans for Wisconsin's charging network. Thanks to the NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) Program, WisDOT has been allocated approximately $78M in federal funds to build out the network of Level 3 EV fast charging stations across the state. These fast chargers are among the top considerations for those considering the purchase of an EV. Vander Wiele shares the process that has gotten us to where we are today, including stakeholder engagement and conversations with Wisconsin EV users. 
After the podcast record, Governor Evers and WisDOT awarded $23.3 million through the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) program to support private industry construction of charging stations across Wisconsin. The WEVI program received more than 260 applications during the first Request for Proposals (RFP) round. A list of selected applicants is available here: https://bit.ly/4bVBU1E

What a difference four years makes!
In the latest On The Go episode, Debby Jackson speaks with Abe Weber, director of the Appleton International Airport (ATW). These two last chatted on the podcast in May 2020, in the early days of the pandemic when the future of air travel was uncertain.
Over the past four years, Appleton International Airport has experienced a significant surge in passengers. Weber attributes the growth to pent-up demand, the return of business travelers, and airline partners' introduction of new routes at ATW. They also discuss the airport's expansion and the ATW team's commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Brian Fraley, president of and owner of Edge Messaging, again joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the On The Go podcast. In this episode, Debby and Brian cover the timely topic of Wisconsin's new state legislative maps.
The two chat about what we know and what we need to learn about the new maps and the potential opportunities for grassroots groups like TDA.

Scott Rogers, the vice president of governmental affairs at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about passenger rail.
Scott and Debby discuss the economic benefits of passenger rail for the region and the recently announced federal grants to study passenger rail in the state. Jackson also takes the opportunity to get tips for long-distance train trips from Rogers, a longtime train traveler.
 
Notes:
Business Coalition for Passenger Rail - List and sign on form
Email: rogers@eauclairechamber.org
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce - 2024 Business Issues Agenda
30th Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
Economic Impact of Missouri's River Runner service (MoDOT)
Creating the new Normal: How trains transformed one Midwestern town (HSR Alliance)
WisDOT - Wisconsin Passenger Rail
FRA Corridor Identification and Development Program
Rail Passengers Association
West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition
Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission
Amtrak Guest Rewards
Amtrak's Empire Builder - Facebook Group

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson, serving as the 2024 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) president, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the On The Go podcast.
Thompson talks about the department's work and accomplishments during his five years at WisDOT and the plans and priorities for the year ahead. They also discuss his priorities for AASHTO and what he has learned about the transportation challenges states face - the similarities and differences - by working with his colleagues in other states.
Safety is an integral part of Thompson's objectives. Jackson and Thompson also touch on transportation funding, including states' progress on a longer-term solution for shoring up lost gas tax productivity.

It's episode #50 of TDA's On The Go podcast! The microphone is turned in this special episode as Dan Deibert of Edge Messaging interviews TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson.
Debby looks back to the first On The Go episode recorded in February 2019. She shares the original inspiration behind the podcast, recollects some of her favorite moments, and looks to future topics.
On The Go continues to share incredible transportation stories across the state, thanks to supporters like you.