Rep. Donovan Secures Sound Barrier Funding for I-894 & I-41

Madison – Representative Bob Donovan (R-Greenfield) gave the following statement after the Assembly passed the 2025-2027 biennial state budget. Included was a provision of $9,100,000 for the creation of additional sound barriers along the I-894 and I-41 corridors. This builds on the 2023-2025 biennial budget that approved $7,000,000 to erect the first sound barriers along the I-894 corridor this summer. Rep. Donovan said:

“The good people of Greenfield deal with noise coming from the expressway every day. It is only fair that the state does its duty to ensure that noise does not become debilitating to the average homeowner. This new investment more than doubles the accomplishment achieved from last session. I am proud to have played a role in delivering a promise made over 30 years ago from the state. Thank you to the many residents over the past few years who brought this to my attention.”

Governor Evers line-item vetoed the provision and removed sound barrier locations identified as areas in need of specific attention. The line-item veto expands the scope of the development to include any area along I-894 and I-41 within Milwaukee County, regardless of need or priority.

“Milwaukee County is the most populous county in Wisconsin and experiences an incredible level of inter-state travel. I have no doubt that there is need for sound barriers across Milwaukee County. However, I am concerned that the Governor’s line-item veto expands this project too large for the appropriation approved. When I started this budget process, I made it a priority to again target the highest need areas first. Some of these areas are just a stone’s throw away from the constant noise from the expressway.”

“Regardless, I will continue to work with the Department of Transportation to ensure the residents of Greenfield are given the peace and quiet they were promised and deserve. I hope they hear a difference.”

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.