MADISON — Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) have introduced legislation to expand eligibility for the Ag Road Improvement Program (ARIP). 

The proposed legislation would allow local governments to apply for ARIP funding without posting a weight limit if a professional engineering analysis determines the road cannot sustain heavy agricultural traffic.

“Expanding ARIP eligibility will give more communities access to the resources they need to improve roads critical to our farmers and producers,” Sen. Marklein said. “I am thrilled to see the impact of this program in southwestern Wisconsin and look forward to the continued progress in improving roads that are essential to the work of our farmers. 

Under current law, a road must be posted with weight restrictions to qualify for ARIP funding. However, many rural roads heavily used by farmers are not posted, even when in poor condition, because communities are concerned that restrictions would limit access for agricultural equipment. As a result, some local governments have posted roads solely to meet ARIP eligibility requirements.

The ARIP program was championed by Sen. Marklein and Rep. Tranel and initially funded in the 2023-25 state budget. It invested $150 million to upgrade local, rural roads that are essential to our agriculture industry. The 2025-27 state budget included another $150 million to continue the program for two more years. 

This bill was introduced Tuesday, Sept. 16 and is awaiting a committee assignment.