There have been many ideas as to how to boost our economy at both the state and national level. While I am skeptical of plans that would simply grow our government and deficit to historic proportions, there are some ideas, like improving our infrastructure, that are more promising.
Specifically, at the state level the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is now seeking public input on two projects that will affect the infrastructure of our region of the state. As you may know, the PSC is a state agency composed of three full-time Commissioners appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate for staggered, six-year terms. The PSC oversees more than 1,100 Wisconsin public utilities that provide electricity, heat, water, and telecommunication services.
The first project is aimed at obtaining feedback from the public regarding broadband (high-speed) internet service. The PSC is conducting a fast and free survey open to Wisconsin residents and businesses to identify where needs exist in un-served or underserved areas. The Federal Stimulus Act, passed by Congress, includes over $7 billion for broadband improvement across the nation. The PSC has created this survey to compile data that will help the federal government identify areas that need broadband internet improvement. You can participate in the survey by visiting http://psc.wi.gov and clicking on it under the "Hot Topics" section.
Improving our broadband infrastructure in Wisconsin should be a high priority. When companies and businesses want to expand or locate in our state, they not only look at traditional infrastructure components like roads, sewers, and water and energy supplies, but also increasingly at the availability of broadband internet. If we wish to speed up the rebound of our economy, improving our broadband infrastructure will be a key piece of the puzzle.
In fact, during my first legislative session in 2005 I co-authored the Broadband Deployment Act, also known as Act 479. This bill, which was signed into law by Governor Doyle, provides tax incentives to companies that will expand in areas of our state that need broadband service. TDS has expanded in our area as a result of this legislation; however there is much more work to be done.
Another discussion related to our region's infrastructure is our electric transmission network. With the Madison area being one of the fastest growing areas in the state, there has been a debate over installing new 345k high voltage transmission power lines. Currently, the PSC is reviewing a plan proposed by the American Transmission Company (ATC), who owns and operates the high-voltage electric transmission system, to install new power lines in southern Dane County.
The major debate is occurring as to where the high voltage transmission lines will be located. The PSC has narrowed the decision down to two options. The first would follow the beltline highway in Madison, run 35 miles, and would cost $214 million. The second would cut across the rural areas of southern Dane County, including the Towns of Oregon, Montrose, and Verona, and would run 55 miles at the cost of about $244 million.
I have voiced my strong opposition to the southern route based on multiple factors. The southern route is much more expensive option and would disturb a much larger area. Due to the urban setting of the beltline, the large transmission lines (about as tall as a water tower) would blend in better with the already existing roads, streetlights, and power lines. On the other hand, the southern route would spoil the natural landscape, and interfere with multiple farms and homes. In some instances, there would even need to be a large swath of trees cut for the line to cut through natural forests. Therefore, I am submitting a letter to the PSC requesting the southern route not be chosen.
The PSC has had public hearings on this issue and the public input period is still open. Area citizens have until April 3, 2009 to submit feedback via the PSC Web site. You can submit your comments by visiting http://psc.wi.gov and clicking on the "public comments" icon. Specifically, the project is known as "ATC, Rockdale-West Middleton Transmission Line Project (137-CE-147)."
I am hopeful this information is useful and that you take the opportunity to let the PSC know your opinion. By expanding our region's broadband internet and electric network capacity, we can upgrade our existing infrastructure for the 21st Century and provide a much needed boost to our area's economy.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling 888-534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
Specifically, at the state level the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is now seeking public input on two projects that will affect the infrastructure of our region of the state. As you may know, the PSC is a state agency composed of three full-time Commissioners appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate for staggered, six-year terms. The PSC oversees more than 1,100 Wisconsin public utilities that provide electricity, heat, water, and telecommunication services.
The first project is aimed at obtaining feedback from the public regarding broadband (high-speed) internet service. The PSC is conducting a fast and free survey open to Wisconsin residents and businesses to identify where needs exist in un-served or underserved areas. The Federal Stimulus Act, passed by Congress, includes over $7 billion for broadband improvement across the nation. The PSC has created this survey to compile data that will help the federal government identify areas that need broadband internet improvement. You can participate in the survey by visiting http://psc.wi.gov and clicking on it under the "Hot Topics" section.
Improving our broadband infrastructure in Wisconsin should be a high priority. When companies and businesses want to expand or locate in our state, they not only look at traditional infrastructure components like roads, sewers, and water and energy supplies, but also increasingly at the availability of broadband internet. If we wish to speed up the rebound of our economy, improving our broadband infrastructure will be a key piece of the puzzle.
In fact, during my first legislative session in 2005 I co-authored the Broadband Deployment Act, also known as Act 479. This bill, which was signed into law by Governor Doyle, provides tax incentives to companies that will expand in areas of our state that need broadband service. TDS has expanded in our area as a result of this legislation; however there is much more work to be done.
Another discussion related to our region's infrastructure is our electric transmission network. With the Madison area being one of the fastest growing areas in the state, there has been a debate over installing new 345k high voltage transmission power lines. Currently, the PSC is reviewing a plan proposed by the American Transmission Company (ATC), who owns and operates the high-voltage electric transmission system, to install new power lines in southern Dane County.
The major debate is occurring as to where the high voltage transmission lines will be located. The PSC has narrowed the decision down to two options. The first would follow the beltline highway in Madison, run 35 miles, and would cost $214 million. The second would cut across the rural areas of southern Dane County, including the Towns of Oregon, Montrose, and Verona, and would run 55 miles at the cost of about $244 million.
I have voiced my strong opposition to the southern route based on multiple factors. The southern route is much more expensive option and would disturb a much larger area. Due to the urban setting of the beltline, the large transmission lines (about as tall as a water tower) would blend in better with the already existing roads, streetlights, and power lines. On the other hand, the southern route would spoil the natural landscape, and interfere with multiple farms and homes. In some instances, there would even need to be a large swath of trees cut for the line to cut through natural forests. Therefore, I am submitting a letter to the PSC requesting the southern route not be chosen.
The PSC has had public hearings on this issue and the public input period is still open. Area citizens have until April 3, 2009 to submit feedback via the PSC Web site. You can submit your comments by visiting http://psc.wi.gov and clicking on the "public comments" icon. Specifically, the project is known as "ATC, Rockdale-West Middleton Transmission Line Project (137-CE-147)."
I am hopeful this information is useful and that you take the opportunity to let the PSC know your opinion. By expanding our region's broadband internet and electric network capacity, we can upgrade our existing infrastructure for the 21st Century and provide a much needed boost to our area's economy.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling 888-534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
