3 GOP Lawmakers Speak Out Against Construction Of New DOT Headquarters

Three Republican lawmakers say the state should delay building a new headquarters in Madison for the Department of Transportation.

A transportation funding shortfall has Republicans like Rep. Rob Hutton of Brookfield asking this question about the nearly $200 million Hill Farms office project: “Why now and, potentially, why at all?”

He, along with two other Republican lawmakers — Reps. Joe Sanfelippo and Dave Craig — sent a letter outlining their concerns to the Department of Administration. Hutton said the 50-year-old state building could perhaps be remodeled or space could be leased for state workers.

“Is there a need for a brand new Taj Mahal for DOT?” he said. “I severely question that.”

The Department of Administration responded to the letter, saying that it’s still getting bids for the project, which was approved in a previous budget.