Gov. Evers, WisDOT Announce Transportation Economic Assistance Grant to Support Growth for Northern Wisconsin Dairy Producer

Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced a $469,311 Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant awarded to the town of Eaton in Clark County for road improvements to support the growth of a local dairy producer. The grant helps fund a project that will reconstruct 1,320 feet of Fairground Avenue from WIS 98 north to the entry point of Grassland Dairy Products, Inc. The road upgrades will better accommodate heavy truck traffic, support the creation of more than 40 jobs and help retain another 484 jobs.

“Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland thanks to the hardworking dairy farmers and producers who’ve been the backbone of our state’s economy for generations,” Gov. Evers said. “Investing in the quality of our local roads is essential to ensuring products get to market, food stays on our tables, and our diary industry has the support it needs to continue producing for generations to come.”

Growth in milk and cream production at the Grassland Dairy facility is increasing heavy truck traffic along Fairground Avenue and resulting in accelerated pavement deterioration. As production increases, estimates show the road will experience an increase of about 75 truck trips per day, or about 27% more truckloads of roughly 93,000 pounds each, per day. The TEA grant project will bolster the road’s load capacity, relieve congestion, improve visibility, and make the area safer for employees, motorists, and pedestrians.

“Wisconsin’s dairy farmers have a worldwide reputation for producing high-quality, nutritious products,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “WisDOT is proud to play a role in building the infrastructure needed to support this vital industry through our various transportation programs, including this TEA grant to the town of Eaton which we’re happy to announce today.”

The TEA program provides financial assistance to communities to support transportation infrastructure improvements that aim to help attract new employers or encourage existing employers to expand. Since 2019, the Evers Administration has awarded 33 TEA grants to communities across the state, totaling more than $16 million for transportation improvement projects to support economic development. In total, these projects supported the creation of over 3,163 new jobs and retention of another 6,256 jobs across the state.

“The town of Eaton is proud to receive the TEA Grant, providing the critical infrastructure needed to support Grassland’s impressive growth,” town of Eaton Chairperson Alex Volovsek said. “By investing in the tools this business needs to scale, we’re not just supporting a local business, we’re creating jobs and strengthening the economics of our entire community.”

“This TEA grant allows us to proactively address increased traffic expectations with our expansion,” Grassland Dairy Products, Inc. President Trevor Wuethrich said. “The improvements will help with safety, while supporting continued growth in the town of Eaton.”

A municipal or county unit of government must sponsor a TEA application. The project must have the local government’s endorsement, and it must benefit the public. More information about the program, including instructions to apply for a grant, can be found here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.