In July 2006, the US Congress adopted the new transportation budget which included special provisions to create a Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program; Sheboygan County was one of four communities in the country selected to participate in this pilot program.  As part of the Pilot Program, Sheboygan County will receive up to $25 million over four years to develop a network of non-motorized transportation facilities that connect neighborhoods, retail centers, schools, recreation amenities, and employment centers and will allow people to change the way they choose to move around through their daily lives.

Sheboygan County Nonmotorized Pilot Project Website

In November 2005, the Sheboygan County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution designating the Sheboygan County Board of Supervisors’ Resources Committee and the Transportation Committee to oversee the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program.  Following passage of the resolution, the two committees began meeting jointly to begin preparations and move the Program forward.

In December 2005, the County worked closely with Bay Lake Regional Planning Commission, the Sheboygan Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and the Federal Highway Administration to amend the current Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).  The amendment was completed to include projects that will be funded from the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program in 2007.

In March 2006, the Joint Committees appointed a Citizens Advisory and Technical Committee (CATC) from a field of 53 applicants.  The Citizens Advisory and Technical Committee is made up of thirty individuals representing a variety of backgrounds and interests including:  Transportation (Bay-Lake RPC, Sheboygan Area MPO, FHWA, WisDOT, local DPW); education; health and health care; local businesses; chambers of commerce/tourism; local units of government; bicycle enthusiasts; and the average citizen.

Sheboygan County is currently working with Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) on an agreement for the funding; the County has received its initial agreement for hiring two employees to implement the program.

To help with the administration of the grant program, the County has moved forward and created two positions specifically for the program.  The first position is the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program Manager.  The individual that fills this position is expected to oversee the program, act as a liaison between the County, stakeholders, and the community, and conduct public education and outreach programs.  The County is currently engaged in the hiring process for this position.

The second position, the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program Specialist will be responsible for overseeing on-the-ground implementation of the program.  This person will work closely with contractors, engineers, and elected officials during the construction of any facilities related to this program.  It is anticipated that the hiring process for this position will begin in Fall 2006.

In addition to the two staff positions, the County is working to hire a consultant to assist with the project rating and ranking process, developing and implementing a public outreach strategy, and updating the County’s bicycle/pedestrian plan.