Racine County Executive Explains Limitations on Mowing Along State Highways
By
Racine County Executive William L. McReynolds
Racine, WI – Racine County Executive Bill McReynolds today addressed the concerns of numerous county residents about mowing of medians and shoulders of the state and U.S. highways in the county. He said: “We’re no happier about tall grass and weeds than the people who live in our communities. But the state contracts with the county to maintain those highways, and it has strictly limited the mowing work we may do under our contract.”
McReynolds explained that guidance from the state specifically limits the county’s mowing efforts along state trunk highways (e.g., STH 11, 20, 31, and 38) and along U.S. highways (e.g., USH 45) to a single cut along the shoulder during the entire season. He acknowledged that, especially with the cool spring we’ve had, one cut a year is not enough. But he pointed out that, if the county does any additional cutting, the cost will be borne by county property taxpayers— not by the state, which is responsible for the maintenance and appearance of those highways.
McReynolds added: “I want to assure our residents that county trunk highways, which are our direct responsibility, will be mown more frequently. We are very displeased with the state highway situation, but in these difficult economic times, we cannot afford to do work for the state when it won’t pay us for that work.”
He suggested that county residents communicate their concerns about mowing along the highways to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (262-521-5348) or Racine County’s state legislators:
Senator John Lehman Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-1832
Senator Robert Wirch Sen.wirch@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 267-8979
Senator Mary Lazich Sen.lazich@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-5400
Representative Robert Turner Rep.turner@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-0731
Representative Cory Mason Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-0634
Representative Robin Vos Rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-9171
Representative Samantha Kerkman Rep.kerkman@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-2530
Representative Scott Gunderson Rep.gunderson@legis.wisconsin.gov (608) 266-3363
Posted @ 11:55 a.m.
