TDA: On The Go Podcast

Secretary Thompson joined the TDA On The Go Podcast as he wrapped up his time at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Thompson and TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson discussed his bittersweet thoughts on leaving WisDOT, the team's accomplishments, and what still needs to be tackled. The two also talked about Wisconsin's unique transportation community and how its uniqueness is a key to its success. Finally, Thompson explained why he is so excited about his new endeavor at the University of Madison.

Jason Culotta, president of the Midwest Food Products Association and this year's TDA president, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast episode. A self-proclaimed "rail geek", Jason has a deep understanding of not only railroads but the entire transportation system.

The podcast explores a wide range of topics, from intermodal discussions and how the logistics of freight containers work to the supply chain and the state budget. The pair also discusses the crucial need to continually educate legislators—and their staff—about transportation issues, challenges, and opportunities. Debby and Jason also touch on TDA as an organization and its essential role in bringing together a broad mix of stakeholders to advocate for a safe, modern, interconnected transportation system.

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: [email protected]

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.

Patrick Vander Sanden, who assumed the role of executive director of the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA) earlier this year, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast. Patrick explains the plans and priorities for his organization and shares some of what has surprised him since he assumed his new role. He also emphasizes that he looks to collaborate with other stakeholders to further transportation in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's airports are integral to the state's economy and generate significant economic impact for the communities where they are located and the regions they serve. Two Wisconsin aviation experts join TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about Wisconsin aviation, the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA), and the upcoming Wisconsin Aviation Conference.

Listen in as Rachel Engeler, assistant airport director at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport and President of WAMA, and Jim Schell, director at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and Vice President of WAMA, share their aviation insights and knowledge.