Fix-it-First Myths and Facts
Myth #1

Myth #1: Fix-it-First will undermine mobility and safety standards.

Fact #1: Fix-it-First is not a ‘Fix-it-Only’ policy.  Fix-it-First does not mean that the state will not fund any capacity expansion.  Instead, Fix-it-First means that spending on capacity expansion is prioritized after existing roads and highways have already been maintained and repaired.  According to the Surface Transportation Policy Project’s analysis of Federal Highway Administration data, 42.5% of the roads in Wisconsin were not in ‘good’ condition in 2001.

Although congestion on roads and bridges is a problem that must be addressed, free-flow conditions on roads and bridges with unaddressed maintenance and repair needs can also create dangerous driving conditions. Additionally, Fix-it-First is not fiscally unsound policy.  According to the Surface Transportation Policy Project and the Transportation Development Association, every $1.00 of early maintenance that is postponed leads to repairs that cost $4.00 to $5.00. 

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