ACLU of Wisconsin Dismayed by Governor's Shocking
Disregard for Public Input on Freeway Expansion
July 25, 2002
Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin responded to Governor
Scott McCallum's decision not to veto a provision in the Budget Adjustment
Bill that would mandate the expansion of freeways in Milwaukee and Waukesha
Counties. It may consider legal action. This expansion could lead to concentrating
the adverse effects of the expansion in Milwaukee's low income and minority
neighborhoods.
The ACLU of Wisconsin approaches the freeway expansion controversy as
a matter of fairness. Freeways should be done the fair way," said its
Executive Director, Chris Ahmuty, today. "No community should have to
suffer a disproportionately high percentage of a project's adverse effects,"
Ahmuty continued.
"The public must be involved in the decision making process when homes,
businesses and whole neighborhoods are at risk. Legislators and a Governor
who are removed and out of touch with the people are no substitute for
meaningful public involvement," Ahmuty continued.
"The Governor says that this budget provision doesn't undermine the Southeast
Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission's freeway reconstruction study.
Yet, SEWRPC has not adequately addressed the fairness of the expansion
alternative. It acknowledges that it needs to do more. The Governor is
disingenuous, if he would have the public believe, that they will be listened
to by planners. The SEWRPC planners and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
officials have received their marching orders from on high."
"The Governor is right that DOT still has to follow all appropriate state
and federal environmental review and approval processes. The Governor's
approval of mandated expansion calls into doubt the state's objectivity
in this process. The ACLU and concerned citizens will have to find ways
to keep SEWRPC and DOT accountable. " Ahmuty concluded.
Related article:
If you agree with the ACLU and want to protect diversity in our schools
and metropolitan areas, please consider joining the hundreds of thousands
of patriotic Americans who are members of the ACLU.
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