MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced approximately $4.1 billion in recommended investments in his 2025-27 Capital Budget for the renovation and renewal of the state’s existing infrastructure and to support major projects in 26 counties across Wisconsin. The governor’s recommended investments will help grow the economy by providing family-supporting jobs and supporting businesses throughout the state. According to Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, for every $1 in construction spending, there is $1.76 of economic activity in Wisconsin. Additionally, for every $1 million of construction spending, nine jobs are supported in the state’s economy. As a result, it is estimated the governor’s proposed Capital Budget supports approximately $7.3 billion in economic activity and nearly 37,200 jobs across the state. “These investments are critical to not only address our state’s aging infrastructure but build for our state’s future, whether it’s at our UW System, supporting our veterans, protecting our valuable natural resources, or modernizing our correctional institutions to improve community safety across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “We can’t afford to kick the can down the road on key infrastructure projects across our state, most especially as the cost of building materials may only get more expensive with each day of delay due to potential tariff taxes and trade wars. We must take the important steps necessary to invest in building a 21st-century infrastructure, workforce, and economy, and I am hopeful that these recommendations will receive bipartisan support to get these projects done that communities across our state are depending on.” Gov. Evers’ Capital Budget reflects a forward-looking approach to Wisconsin’s infrastructure, prioritizing smart investments that address aging facilities, enhance safety, and prepare state-owned buildings for the future. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and functionality, the governor’s budget aims to modernize public spaces, elevate higher education facilities, and create infrastructure that supports Wisconsin’s growing communities and evolving needs. The announcement represents one of the strongest investments to date for Wisconsin’s facility infrastructure and significant planning funds to prepare important construction projects for future enumerations. The governor’s proposal also includes one of the highest investments in the All Agency program in state history, helping to extend the useful life of critical state-owned and university buildings, improve safety and reliability, and decrease operating costs, saving Wisconsin taxpayers money in the long term. Due to continued obstruction and delays from the Republican-led Legislature, Wisconsin also faces a deferred maintenance backlog that has skyrocketed past $13 billion, with $3.4 billion in critical high-priority needs that demand immediate attention to prevent system failures, safety hazards, and costly emergency breakdowns. Neglecting these urgent repairs would only accelerate deterioration, putting essential public facilities and the communities they serve at risk, and bold, proactive investments in the All Agency program and Minor Facilities Renewal program is essential. By tackling these issues head-on, Wisconsin can modernize aging infrastructure, extend the life of critical assets, and avoid even more disruptive and expensive crises down the road.
The 2025-27 Capital Budget Agency Requests and Governor’s Recommendations can be found here.
