STATE-REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS IN WISCONSIN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

This paper discusses institutional and process relationships between statewide and regional transportation planning in Wisconsin. The organization, administration, and programs of multicounty regional planning commissions are discussed in the context of their impact on planning programs of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, particularly preparation of a state transportation plan. The paper describes the factors considered by the department Division of Planning in deciding to implement formal state-regional partnerships in transportation planning throughout Wisconsin. The alternative of providing coordinative support to regional planning commissions is also discussed. The conclusion is that these formal partnerships are providing substantial benefits for both statewide and regional land use and all-mode transportation system planning. These benefits, however, have not come without some problems and delays, particularly in the department's relationships with newly organized regional planning commissions. Even the new commissions, however, are finding that, allthough their initial interests may be more issue than system oriented, they can play a constructive role in statewide highway, airport, and rail system planning. /Author/