HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-317SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 10 -317 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED 6 -0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN )
PURPOSE: RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION KEEP HIGHWAY
21 OPEN DURING THE HIGHWAY 41/21 CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT AND NOT INCREASE CONSTRUCTION TIME
PERIOD
INITIATED BY: MAYOR PAUL ESSLINGER
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is currently widening
and reconstructing U.S. Highway 41 in the Oshkosh area; and
WHEREAS, the reconstruction and widening of U.S. Highway 41 is greatly
needed to manage the increase in vehicular traffic in the Oshkosh area; and
WHEREAS, once the reconstruction of the Highway 41/21 project is completed it
will be beneficial to the motoring traffic and the businesses in the Oshkosh area; and
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation currently has plans to
close Highway 21 for a period of time during construction of the Highway 41/21 project;
and
WHEREAS, the closing of Highway 21 for any period of time will be detrimental
to the motoring public and the businesses in and near the Highway 21 corridor causing
a negative impact on the economy of Oshkosh; and
WHEREAS, the closing of Highway 21 will cause delays in motorist's schedules,
cause major traffic jams when accidents occur on Highway 41 because of detours which
in turn will result in an increase in fuel usage and an increase in toxic emissions; and
WHEREAS, several elected officials, business people and government leaders
have gone on record opposed to the closing of Highway 21, which include but are not
limited to Oshkosh Mayor Paul Esslinger, Oshkosh Deputy Mayor Jessica King,
Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris, Winnebago County Sheriff Mike Brooks,
Town of Algoma Chairman Tim Blake, and 53 Assemblyman Richard Spanbauer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the Oshkosh
Common Council respectfully request the Wisconsin Department of Transportation keep
Highway 21 open at all times during the Highway 41/21 project and that the construction
time period for the project not be increased.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
offices of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in Green Bay and Madison.