Today, Governor Scott Walker announced that Wisconsin Employment and Transportation Assistance Program (WETAP) grants totaling $1,779,593 will be given to 10 organizations providing employment transportation services to low income workers in 53 counties throughout the state.

“With more people employed than ever before and a record-low unemployment rate, Wisconsin must tap the talents of everyone who is able to work, including those with transportation barriers,” Governor Walker said. “The Wisconsin Employment and Transportation Assistance Program has connected thousands of Wisconsinites to employment opportunities across the state through the years. These are the kinds of investments that will support a robust talent pool now and in the years to come.”

WETAP combines state and federal funds into one coordinated program to assist transportation-provider groups in all parts of the state address transportation needs for low income workers. Eligible applicants for WETAP funding are non-profit agencies, local governmental agencies and operators of public transit services within Wisconsin.

Programs like WETAP are a central strategy to meet the employment needs of employers across the state, including Southeast Wisconsin, where demand for workers is expected to grow substantially with employers such as Foxconn, Haribo, and other locating or expanding in the region.

Transportation services made possible through WETAP include zero interest vehicle repair and loan programs, vanpool programs, mobility manager positions and operating projects. Operating projects are 50 percent funded and capital projects are 80 percent funded.

In calendar year 2018, WETAP funds are projected to provide approximately 126,500 rides to jobs for about 2,160 residents of the state

Full list of names of grant recipients and award are available on the WETAP webpage.