INVENTORY OF EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

1) TRANSIT SYSTEMS

Residents in the urbanized areas of the eastern portions of Winnebago County are served by two major Transit systems with a combined total of 26 routes, as shown on Maps 1 and 2. The Neenah-Menasha area is served by Valley Transit, while the Oshkosh area is served by the Oshkosh Transit System.

Valley Transit Service

Valley Transit is owned and operated by the City of Appleton, and funded by the State and Federal Government as well as local communities that obtain service. Some buses run from 5:45 am, with most routes starting at 6:15 am. Most bus routes operate until about 10:30 p.m.

The bus fare is typically $1.50, but can be cheaper if ten-ride tickets ($13.00) are purchased. Senior Citizens and the Disabled can get a ten-ride ticket for $7.50. Special groups rates for children are also available. Day passes, which allow unlimited rides on the day issued, are available for $4.00.

Lift-equipped buses are available on the regular Valley Transit fixed routes. The lift service gives passengers who have difficulty using the steps a safe and easy way to get on board. In addition, some individuals with severe disabilities may require an attendant for assistance when riding the bus. These necessary care attendants may ride free.

Valley Transit operates 16 bus routes, serving most of the Fox Valley communities. More specifically, four routes serve the City of Neenah, City of Menasha, and Town of Menasha (Map 1). Number 30 is a one-hour route that goes from Downtown Neenah to Downtown Appleton, and then returns to Neenah. This route follows Appleton Road through the City of Menasha, meandering east and west along major streets, and Commercial Street in the City of Neenah. This route operates evening service as well.

Another bus stays in Neenah all day, with alternating routes (31E and 31W) on the east and west sides of the City being served by the same bus. These two routes come and go from a Downtown Neenah transfer point every half-hour, although no evening service is provided.

Route 40 comes and goes from Downtown Neenah to the Fox River Mall. This one-hour route follows Winneconne Avenue to Green Bay Road, then meanders through the Town of Menasha into the Town of Grand Chute, where it follows Nicolet Drive to the Fox River Mall. This route does not operate in the evening.

The fourth route (Number 11) circles through the northeast corner of the Town of Menasha and City of Appleton, going as far south as Midway Drive and as far west as Appleton Road. It operates every half-hour, including evening service.

13 Oshkosh Transit System

The Oshkosh Transit System is owned and operated by the City of Oshkosh. The system has nine (9) routes, with buses running from 6:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Routes run as far north as County Road Y, providing access to the Winnebago County Fairgrounds and County Park, and as far south as W. 20th Street. Route 9 extends west into the Town of Algoma, as far as Oakwood Road (Map 1).

The route fee is typically $.50, which is one of the lowest in the State. A monthly pass for unlimited rides is available for $15.00. Punch passes and tokens can also be purchased for convenience. A tripper service is also offered by Oshkosh Transit during the school year. Three additional buses are put into service on regular bus routes in the afternoon to expedite getting students home from school.

Like Valley Transit, the Oshkosh Transit System also provides lift service on all regular routes. Senior Citizens and Disabled passengers are also eligible for the half-fare program. Passengers need to show an ADA card or Dial-A-Ride card to take advantage of this reduced rate.

Oshkosh-Neenah Route

On December 4, 2000, the Oshkosh Transit System began a bus route that connects Oshkosh to Neenah, which also connects routes operated by the Oshkosh Transit System and Valley Transit system (Map 1). This route was funded with “Access to Jobs” funds. The route follows Jackson Street, then follows U.S. Highway 41, exiting on Winneconne Avenue. On its way back, the route follows Commercial Street to Bell Street, west on Bell Street, and then onto U.S. Highway 41, exiting onto Jackson Street, and returning to Oshkosh.

Service for this route is 5:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on Saturday. The cash fare is $1.50 per person for this route, and transfers onto the other Transit system is possible. This route was designed to open the door for expanded employment opportunities, cultural and shopping opportunities for residents, and visitors to both urban areas.

14 15 2) TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Services Offered by Transit Systems

Along with the fixed bus routes, both Valley Transit and Oshkosh Transit systems, as well as other agencies in the Oshkosh area, provide 11 different paratransit services, available for passengers for whom using the fixed-route service is impossible. Americans with Disabilities Act require the bulk of this service.

The service offered by Valley Transit is called Valley Transit II, which is under contract to Kobussen Buses Ltd.

Services offered through the Oshkosh Transit System, or related agencies in the Oshkosh area that offer Paratransit Services, are as follows:

Cabulance

If riders in the Oshkosh system cannot be accommodated on the bus system, Oshkosh Cabulance is available. Cabulance offers lift equipped van service through the Cab Company. Van-assisted door through door service can be available for qualified disabled individuals within the City of Oshkosh, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those who desire this service are required to contact the Oshkosh Red Cross office for certification.

Dial A Ride

This program is a subsidized taxi service for qualified elderly and disabled individuals available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Seniors must get an identification card, at no charge, from the Oshkosh Seniors Center. This enables Senior Citizens to call the cab company directly for the reduced fee ride. Disabled individuals should contact the American Red Cross office in Oshkosh for certification.

Rural Transportation Over 60

This subsidized taxi and van service is provided to rural Winnebago County residents 60 or older. Residents can call 24 hours per day, seven days a week for service, and are eligible for ten (10) one-way trips each month. The driver could request proof of age. Cost is $4.00 per one-way trip for residents who live in townships that contribute to the program or $8.00 for residents who live in townships that do not contribute.

Rural Transportation Under 60

This subsidized taxi and van service is provided to disabled rural Winnebago County residents. Residents can call 24 hours per day, seven days a week for service, and are eligible for ten (10) one-way trips each month. Application for individuals under 60 years old and not within the cities are required to apply for certification at the Oshkosh

16 Red Cross Office. Cost is $4.00 per one-way trip for residents who live in townships that contribute to the program or $8.00 for residents who live in townships that do not contribute.

Inter-City Transportation For Medical Appointments

Volunteers using Red Cross vans provide inter-city transportation for medical appointments. This program is available to Oshkosh residents who have medical appointments in another city within Wisconsin and do not qualify for any other program. The cost is a donation based on the location of the appointment.

Advocap

This subsidized taxi and van service is provided to elderly and disabled residents of Oshkosh. It will allow residents to travel to Elderly Nutrition Sites during the site's hours of operation for a cost of $1.00 per one-way ride.

Lakeside Packaging Plus, Inc.

This provides transportation within Oshkosh to worksites for disabled adults. Service is provided Monday through Friday.

Zion Eldercare

This program provides transportation service to the elderly and handicapped from their homes to day care for adult sites in Oshkosh.

W2 Demand Response

With funds provided by an “Access to Jobs” Grant, certified individuals are provided a cab or van ride for the purposes associated with work and childcare for a cost of $1.00 per one-way ride.

Other Paratransit Service Found Throughout the County

Northern Winnebago Dial-A-Ride (includes Cities of Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, and Town of Menasha in Winnebago County).

This reduced fare service is for taxi service for individuals 60 years old and over. Interested parties can call the Heritage homes for information and certification, or Lamers Cab for service.

17 3) RECREATION TRAILS & BIKE ROUTES

Introduction

The issue of trails and paths throughout the County is becoming more important as an alternate transportation mode and as a recreational amenity. This is due to the realization that exercise is important to health, and that walking, roller blading, bicycling, cross- country skiing, snowmobiling and other methods of exercise can all be done on trails.

To accommodate this growing interest, private groups that want to promote trail development are becoming very popular. All forms of Government (Towns, Villages, Cities, County and State) are becoming interested in the promotion of trails. The State of Wisconsin recently came out with a draft of a “State Trails Network Plan,” published in August, 2000, and available over the internet.

Groups and governmental agencies are finding that the acquisition, dedication, or official mapping of trails is a very difficult process in existing neighborhoods, and therefore there is a critical need for advance planning of trail locations in future growth areas.

The Town of Algoma is an example of a community that is aggressively seeking to establish a trail system early in undeveloped areas. The Town employed a consultant to create growth concept plans for all of the undeveloped acreage within their present Sanitary District. These plans show specific lot layouts and trails connecting other plats, wetlands, wooded areas, schools and parks and commercial areas.

Trails should not only connect residential neighborhoods with parks, schools, shopping, places of employment, and other land uses, but also make connections to longer regional trails. Just like the roadway system has arterial, collector, and local streets, trails could be defined in the same way. The State Trail system encourages the inter-regional movement from one county to another on an interconnecting trail system. In the future, it is hoped that people could obtain a trail map of the State, similar to a road map.

Winnebago County is host to two State Trails, one County Road trail, as well as over 21 on-road and seven off-road bicycle and multi-use trails, two major snowmobile corridors, and two cross-country ski trails in regional parks.

Benefits of Trails

Recreational trails are becoming an important draw for tourism. Trails also benefit the local, regional and state’s economy, environment, appearance, social climate, and physical and mental health of the County’s residents and visitors. These benefits are more fully described as follows:

· Economic Benefits: Trail users spend money on bicycles, snowmobiles, other durable goods, and equipment maintenance related to their recreation, often in the areas near the trails. Local hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, bakeries, gas stations, and other businesses also benefit from tourist spending.

18 Studies done by the State of Wisconsin show that long trails, which attract users from far away, represent the most spending per user. Shorter, urban trails generally get more users, so they also have a high economic impact. Spending by trail users results in higher sales tax revenues for the state and counties.

· Property Value Benefits: The presence of trails often increases the value of properties adjacent to the corridors, especially those through residential neighborhoods. The National Association of Home Builders cites trails as the second or third most important amenity that would influence people to move to a new location.

· Quality of life: This aspect of trails is an increasingly important factor in attracting and retaining businesses in a community, and trails are important contributors to the quality of life. Corporations bring jobs to communities and help support other businesses. Additionally, health improvement, due to outdoor exercise, can help control company medical costs in the long run.

· Environmental and Aesthetic Benefits: By providing safe, pleasant places to walk and bicycle, trails encourage people to use non-motorized means of getting to work, school, play, and shopping, resulting in reduced traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution. The Wisconsin Bicycle Transportation Plan 2020 states: "the most frequent, comfortable, and practical trips for bicyclists, those under five miles, produce the greatest environmental benefits, since trips under five miles in length are the least fuel efficient and produce the highest emissions per mile."

Provides an alternate transportation route for bicycle traffic to use in avoiding urban streets with high traffic volumes.

When rail lines are converted to trail use, the state generally acquires a 100-foot wide corridor, of which a 10-foot strip is surfaced for the trail. Most of the rest of the land is left in its natural state, providing habitat for birds and other wildlife as well as diverse plant communities that include prairie remnants. The green plants along the corridor also help air quality in the area.

Allows access to recreational sites that would not otherwise be accessible. Some of these otherwise inaccessible sites could provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

· Social Benefits Trails can provide a sense of place and a source of community pride. When integrated with features such as historic sites, commercial or residential areas, and parks, they can improve the overall character of a region. Trail corridors can become outdoor classrooms where children and adults can observe and learn about their natural and cultural environment.

19 · Health Benefits Trails provide pleasant places for people to walk, run, bicycle, ski, skate, or do other exercises, all of which help control weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, builds strength and endurance, and help prevent osteoporosis, diabetes and depression.

· Other Benefits

Trails can offer more than just the typical health and economic benefits. A trail corridor may be useful as a non-intrusive communications linkage for fiberoptic or underground utility systems to enhance communications.

Portions of the trail corridor may be also be used for natural resource management and observation, prairie restoration, endangered species protection, and wetland protection where possible.

Existing Trail Systems

The County has been working with other public and private entities to develop trails on abandoned railroads and on new or existing public roadways. Individual Cities, Villages and Towns have built their own trails, but the following list are those that Winnebago County (or the County Highway Department) have recorded as of this date (Map 3):

Wiouwash State Trail: This county-operated trail (formerly known as the Larsen Trail) extends from downtown Oshkosh, 22 miles to Hortonville in Outagamie County and from Tigerton 16 miles to Birnamwood in Shawano County. The types of uses allowed on this trail are hiking, touring and mountain biking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.

Mascoutin Valley State Trail: Built in the Town of Nepeuskun, the Mascoutin Valley State Trail (formerly known as the Rush Lake Trail) extends approximately 5 miles through Winnebago County, from the south line of the Town parallel to County Road E. At Meadowbrook Road, the Mascoutin Valley Trail heads northwest to the west line of both the Town, just south of State Road 116. The total length of the trail is 31.1 miles including 11.1 miles available for horseback riding.

County Road CB Trail: The CB trail was initially built when the first portion of County Road CB was constructed from County Road BB to County Road II. This trail was extended with the County Road CB extension to County Road “JJ” in the Town of Neenah. The trail is a paved ten-foot wide path that runs along the west side of the roadway.

County Road A Trail: Winnebago County recently completed a reconstruction of County Road A from County Rd Y to Indian Point Road. As part of this reconstruction, an off road paved bike and pedestrian facility was constructed on the west-side parallel to County A.

20 21 Public and Community Involvement in Trails

As previously stated, certain communities have caught the vision of aggressively planning, budgeting, and ultimately building a trail system in their communities. Special interest and “grass roots” type citizens committees have been especially helpful in promoting, encouraging and implementing trail plans. The most noteworthy and active group in Winnebago County has been Fox Cities Greenways, Inc. This group publishes a quarterly newsletter and actively lobbies local, regional and state governmental agencies to include trails in roadway projects. The group also acts as an information hub, attending meetings, sharing information, and connecting communities with each other.

Noteworthy trail projects that are being planned, in progress or recently completed in Winnebago County are listed below:

· Town of Menasha Pedestrian Plan

The Town of Menasha has been another community that has joined in with the County to build off the County Road CB trail system. On its own, the town is using the CB trail as a “backbone” to connect to other trails that have or will be built in the Town. In 2000, the Town built a trail on Shady Lane from Irish Road east to Olde Buggy Drive. Also completed was a trail on the north side of County Road II from Spring Road School to Clayton Avenue (Map #3). In 2001, trails were completed along Plank Road, and along Cold Spring Road from E Shady Lane to Jacobsen Road. In 2003 a trail was completed along American Drive from Prospect Avenue to E Shady Lane.

· City of Neenah Pedestrian Trails

The City of Neenah is also promoting and encouraging pedestrian trails throughout their community (see map #3). The Neenah Access Trails are a series of on- and off- road trails within and through the City. They include paved off-road trails, such as those found in Bill Miller Park, as well as over 20 miles of on-street trails. The City has identified a 5.73-mile and an 11.56-mile loop through the City.

22 23 · City of Oshkosh Pedestrian Trails

The City of Oshkosh adopted a Pedestrian & Bicycle Circulation Plan in 1998, to further refine the 1993 Comprehensive Plan (see Map #4). The key objective of the plan is to enhance and promote safe and efficient pedestrian and bicycle circulation routes in the Oshkosh area. A second objective of the plan is to encourage and foster greater utilization of the Fox River corridor through Oshkosh as a multi-use aesthetic and recreational resource.

The Fox River flows through central Oshkosh and is the dominant resource feature in the City. The plan show the future development of a looped multi-use pathway and river walk system that encompasses both sides of the Fox River between the Wisconsin Street Bridge and the Main Street Bridge.

The Oshkosh Pedestrian & Bicycle Circulation Plan identifies specific infrastructure improvements that should be programmed into the transportation planning process. Like other plans in the Fox Valley, the Oshkosh plan will advocate the design and construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of the routine program for constructing new streets and retrofitting older transportation corridors.

The “Oshkosh-Friend of the Trail” group acts as an informational hub that promotes trails in the Oshkosh area. This group also puts forth positions, or statements, relating to political matters affecting local trail issues.

· Town of Algoma Pedestrian Trails

The Town of Algoma has aggressively prepared an overall trail plan for all of the undeveloped acreage within their sanitary district. Over 28 miles of trails are being planned to run throughout their future residential neighborhoods, with pedestrian connections being made to future parks, schools and shopping areas. Efforts will also be made by the Town to make connections to trails being planned on the growth fringes of the City of Oshkosh (Map #4).

24 25 Rustic Roads:

The Rustic Roads System in Wisconsin was created by the 1973 State Legislature in an effort to help citizens and local units of government preserve what remains of Wisconsin's scenic, lightly traveled country roads. These routes provide bikers, hikers, and motorists with an opportunity to leisurely travel through some of Wisconsin's scenic countryside.

Unique brown and yellow signs mark the routes of all officially designated Rustic Roads. A small placard beneath the Rustic Roads sign identifies each Rustic Road by its numerical designation within the total statewide system. Each Rustic Road is identified by a 1- to 3-digit number assigned by the Rustic Roads Board. To avoid confusion with the State Trunk Highway numbering, a letter "R" prefix is used such as R50 or R120. The Department of Transportation pays the cost of furnishing and installing Rustic Roads marking signs.

An officially designated Rustic Road shall continue to be under local control. Winnebago County, has the same authority over the Rustic Road as it possesses over other roadways under its jurisdiction. A Rustic Road is eligible for state aids just as any other public highway.

What is a Rustic Road? Qualities that distinguish a Rustic Road are as follows: · Should have outstanding natural features along its borders such as rugged terrain, native vegetation, native wildlife, or include open areas with agricultural vistas which singly or in combination uniquely set this road apart from other roads. · Should be a lightly traveled local access road, one which serves the adjacent property owners and those wishing to travel by auto, bicycle, or hiking for purposes of recreational enjoyment of its rustic features. · Should be one not scheduled nor anticipated for major improvements that would change its rustic characteristics. · Should have, preferably, a minimum length of 2 miles and, where feasible, should provide a completed closure or loop, or connect to major highways at both ends of the route. A Rustic Road may be dirt, gravel or paved road. It may be one-way or two-way. It may also have bicycle or hiking paths adjacent to or incorporated in the roadway area. The maximum speed limit on a Rustic Road has been established by law at 45 mph. The local governing authority may establish a speed limit as low as 25 mph.

Rustic Road in Winnebago County

Winnebago County contains one State Registered Rustic Road, known as route 72 ( see location on Map #3). This rustic road follows Mountain Road in the Town of Utica, beginning at its intersection with County Highway M and proceeding in a southerly then easterly direction until its intersection again with County Highway M. The length of the Rustic Road is 3.1 miles, and has a surface that is both paved and graveled.

26 This rustic road offers great wildlife and wildflower viewing in a serene setting. Mountain Road passes through the middle of 270 acres owned by the Nature Conservancy. It is home to many birds including sandhill cranes, short-eared owls, northern bobwhite quail, and pheasants. The traveler will encounter an abundance of wildflowers bordering the roadway including may apple, trillium, Canada aneome, wild geraniums, Soloman’s seal, wild roses, and goldenrods.

4) AIR TRANSPORTATION

Air transportation in Winnebago County consists of several diversified facilities that serve the entire county. There is one commercial service airport located entirely within the county, and a larger commercial and passenger service airport primarily located just north of the Winnebago - Outagamie County Line. Complementing the two commercial airports are one private airport with an asphalt runway and 21 private landing strips with grass runways, located throughout the County.

City of Oshkosh

Wittman Regional Airport (A) is located at 525 West 20th Avenue within the city limits of Oshkosh (Map #5). Although passenger service is no longer available, the airport will continue to provide aircraft rental and charter flights.

Every summer during the last week of July, Wittman Regional Airport becomes the busiest airport in the world when the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) holds its annual Fly-In Convention at the facility. This event attracts more than 825,000 visitors and aviation enthusiasts annually.

The airport is operated by Winnebago County and receives a state and federal subsidy annually to maintain service and operations. However, this subsidy may be lost in 2001, which will mean the demise of commercial passenger flights. At this time, there are no future plans for further expansion of the airport facilities.

Wittman Regional Airport is located on approximately 1,500 acres of land and has an Airport Master Plan that was adopted by Winnebago County in 1992. Presently, Wittman Regional Airport operates two runways at the facility. The north-south runway is an 8,000-foot long concrete runway constructed to accommodate the larger aircraft that fly in for the EAA Annual Convention. The east-west runway is a 6,000-foot long concrete runway that is primarily for regular aircraft take-offs and landings. According to the Airport Manager, the Airport Master Plan will be updated within the next three years.

In 1999, approximately 5,000 passengers flew out of Wittman Regional Airport with Chicago being the primary destination. Figures were not available for the number of passengers arriving at Wittman Field. Through November 2000, figures were not

27 available for passengers arriving or departing the airport. Although provided, freight service based on the number of pounds handled at the airport is rather limited. Growth potential for airfreight at Wittman Airport is somewhat limited given its proximity to the Outagamie County Regional Airport in the Fox Cities, and Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee.

As part of his “Grow Wisconsin” initiative to invest in the state’s infrastructure and promote economic growth, Governor Jim Doyle has approved project’s totaling $4.1 million that will construct an air traffic control tower at Wittman Regional Airport. The airport’s existing tower is over 30 years old, has experienced increased repairs and maintenance, and must be brought up to various code requirements. The new tower will be located approximately 700 feet west of the existing tower and will be 20-feet taller (overall 85-foot vision height) to provide air traffic controllers better visual control of aircraft.

The attraction of new business is being used as a justification for public investments in new airport construction and expansion plans. Approximately 23 different businesses already are located on the Wittman Regional Airport grounds. The airport also provided a site for a 125-room Hilton Gardens Hotel, which opened the end of June, 2001.

Town of Nekimi

Pioneer Airport (B) is associated closely with the Wittman Regional Airport. The Pioneer Airport (Map #5) is located on the grounds of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in the Town of Nekimi. Pioneer Airport is located directly east of the EAA Air Adventure Museum & Offices, having an address of 3000 Poberezny Road. In general, the EAA grounds are located at the southeast quadrant of the U.S. Highway 41 and State Road 44-interchange area. The EAA owns and maintains 1,085 acres of land for its operation; while leasing or renting nearly 1,000 additional acres of land to meet the demands of the Annual EAA Fly-In and Convention held in late July of each year.

Pioneer Airport is home to nearly 40 specialized and historic aircraft that are either owned or operated by the EAA. Four or five of these planes are used almost exclusively for tours and sightseeing adventures around the Oshkosh Area. The aircraft are housed in six (6) principal hangers that are located adjacent to the 2,000-foot grass runway that is oriented in a northwest-southeast direction. Several other accessory buildings are also found at the airport, which either house antique aircraft or other artifacts belonging to the Association. Pioneer Airport is a privately owned and operated facility by the Experimental Aircraft Association for the benefit of its members.

Town of Black Wolf

The Town of Black Wolf contains a private grass landing strip (C), located north of County Road “FF”, along the south line of the County (Map #5).

28 FOX CITIES AREA

Outagamie County Regional Airport: (D) Although only a very small portion is located in Winnebago County, the Outagamie County Regional Airport (immediately north of the County line) has significant land use implications, with some its landing patterns over large portions of northern Winnebago County. Winnebago County has been urging Outagamie County to adopt an Airport Overlay District (within Winnebago County) to protect the landing corridors that emanate from the airport. Consideration by Winnebago County should also be given to the development of lands that are in the path of the landing and take-off zones for several reasons:

a). Minimize height obstacles b). Protect the public by minimizing housing density and public assembly facilities c). Minimize complaints of future residents regarding noise or vibration.

Outagamie County Regional Airport (D on map #5) is located at W6390 Challenger Drive in the Town of Greenville on approximately 1,500 acres of land. Construction on the present airport started in 1963 with project completion in August 1965. The major airport runways include a 7,000-foot northeast-southwest concrete runway, as well as a 6,500-foot northwest-southeast concrete runway. Presently, the commercial service airport provides 66 flights daily (arrival & departures) by five commercial airlines, with connecting flights to Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Milwaukee and Minneapolis-St. Paul. The airport also provides aircraft rentals, charter flights, air freight service, and rental car service. Several business parks and industrial parks are also located in close proximity to the airport. The largest park is the Greenville Business Park located directly north of the airport complex.

In 1999, the Outagamie County Regional Airport accommodated a total of 529,000 passengers for outgoing as well as incoming flights. Through November 2000 the passenger total was 496,577. The airport handled 21,600,067 pounds of air freight in 1999 and 19,954,636 pounds through November 2000.

The airport facility has an Airport Master Plan that was adopted by the Outagamie County Board in 1993. According to the Airport Director, the present Airport Master Plan will be updated in 2001 with a subsequent update scheduled within five to ten years. Plans are moving forward for a major addition to the terminal building in 2001 that will enhance passenger travel for those arriving and departing from the facility. The $12 million, 28,000 square foot addition will provide for enclosed concourses and 8 gates (5 with boarding bridges) for passenger arrivals and departures from the Outagamie County Regional Airport. Renovation of the terminal will include a new paging and flight information system. Completion is scheduled for 2002 enhance passenger travel for those arriving and departing from the facility. The $12 million, 28,000 square foot addition will provide for enclosed concourses and 8 gates (5 with boarding bridges) for passenger arrivals and departures from the Outagamie County Regional Airport. Renovation of the terminal will include a new paging and flight information system. Completion is scheduled for 2002.

29 Governor Doyle’s “Grow Wisconsin” plan also included funds to extend Outagamie County Regional Airport’s primary runway from 7,000 feet to 8,000 feet, which would allow corporate and commercial aircraft, with full passenger or cargo loads, to utilize the airport year round. The larger runway would also allow additional flights to Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, and other cities.

Town of Neenah

Valley Airways Airport (E) is located along Green Valley Road (Map #5), just west of U. S. U.S. Highway 41 in Section 8 in the Town of Neenah. This private airport consists of an east-west grass runway that is used by small aircraft. Several small hangers are also located at the airport site. Known previously as Zimmerman Airport, the present facility is home base of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) based in the Fox Cities and Oshkosh Metro Area. The CAP Headquarters Building and aircraft hangar are also located at the airport site.

Town of Vinland

Earl’s Landing Strip (F) is located in the Town of Vinland to the west of US Highway 41 and north of County Road GG along the Green Valley Frontage Road (Map #5). This privately owned airstrip was founded by Earl Grunska in the 1930’s and is now operated by the Grunska Family. The airstrip is oriented north-south and is used for small aircraft. There are several hangars located adjacent to the landing strip which provide storage for the aircraft.

An air landing strip (G) is located in Section 21 just west of County Road T, and approximately one-half mile north of Brooks Road in the Town (Map #5). The grass airstrip is owned privately, and operated for small aircraft use.

Town of Clayton

Brennand Landing Strip (H) – is located along Breezewood Lane (Map#5) in Section 35 in the southeastern portion of the Town. This private airport consists of a north-south blacktop runway that is used by smaller aircraft.

Wisnefsre Landing Strip (I) – is located East of Center Road (Map #5) in Section 27 in the southeastern portion of the Town. This private airport consists of an east-west grass runway that is used by smaller aircraft.

Grunska Landing Strip (J) – is located West of Pioneer Road (Map #5) in Section 8 in the northwest portion of the Town. This private airport consists of an north-south grass runway that is used by smaller aircraft.

30 Larsen Brothers Airport (K) – is located just north of State Road 150 (Map #5) in Section 18 in the Town, about one mile northwest of the community of Larsen. This airport was built in 1922, and was also the location of the first airplane hanger in the State (1924). The airport is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is classified as an Historic District. In the mid-1920’s, it served as the Wisconsin dealer for Waco airplanes, becoming the first Wisconsin airport to sell planes. At one time, the airport offered gas sales, mechanic work and flight lessons. Today, the north-south grass runway still provides a landing surface for smaller aircraft and ultra-lights.

Town of Winchester

Hren Landing Strip (L) – is located west of N. Loop Road (Map #5) in Section 11 in the northeastern portion of the Town. This private airport consists of a north-south grass runway that is used by smaller aircraft.

Tate Landing Strip (M) – is located south of County Road MM (Map #5) in Section 17 in the west central portion of the Town. This private airport consists of a southwest- northeast grass runway that is used by smaller aircraft.

Sutter Landing Strip (N) – is located north of County Road Road MM (Map #5) in Section 20 in the west central portion of the Town. This private airport consists of a southwest-northeast grass runway that is used by smaller aircraft.

Town of Winneconne

The Courtney Plummer Air Landing Strip (O) is situated in Section 22 to the south of State Road 116, and directly west of Courtney Plummer Road (Map #5). The airstrip is located about one-half mile east of the Village of Winneconne corporate limits, and approximately one-quarter mile north of Lake Butte des Morts. The paved asphalt runway is oriented north-south and accommodates small private aircraft. Most users of the airstrip have residential home sites along the north shoreline of Lake Butte Des Morts, and have private hangers for their airplanes.

A small private grass landing strip (P) is located on the west side of Ginnow Road, south of County Road D (Map #5). This private airport consists of a southwest-northeast grass runway that is used by smaller aircraft

A small private grass landing strip (Q) is located on Ginnow Road, south of Oak Hill Road (Map #5). This private airport consists of a east-west grass runway that is used by smaller aircraft

31 Town of Poygan

Schonscheck Landing Strip (R) – is located south of County Road D (Map #5) in Section 26 in the eastern portion of the Town. This private airport consists of an east-west grass runway that is used by smaller aircraft.

Town of Omro

In the Town of Omro, the air landing strip (S) is located in Sections 10 and 15 near the intersection of State Highway 21 and Rivermoor Road. (Map #5) The privately owned grass landing strip is oriented northeast-southwest and provides a facility for small aircraft to use. The airstrip site is also used as the home base operation for the Skydive Adventure Inc., (plane rides and skydiving) which is located at 4028 Rivermoor Road.

The Leonard Stone Farm on the north side of Highway 91, west of CRD. FF (Map #5), has an air landing strip (T). This privately owned grass landing strip is oriented north- south and provides a facility for a crop duster business.

Town of Utica

The Forsgren air landing strip (U) is located in Section 14 (Map #5) just south of the State Road 44 and Fisk Avenue intersection. This newly approved and constructed airstrip will become operational in 2001. The 2,200-foot long grass runway is oriented in a north-south direction. The landing strip will be used in 2001 for the property owner’s private aircraft.

The Williams Air Landing Strip (V) is located in Sections 21 and 22 (Map #5) between State Road 44 and Williams Avenue. The grass airstrip is oriented in a northeast- southwest direction, and is situated parallel to the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Tracks and State Road 44. The primary use of the airstrip is for small private aircraft.

32 33 5) RAIL TRANSPORTATION

Rail transportation is still a very viable mode of transportation for moving huge volumes of freight through the eastern and southwestern portions of Winnebago County. A major railroad company and a short line company are the two rail providers serving the County (Map #5).

Wisconsin Central Limited Railroad

In the fall of 2001, final approval is expected from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to approve the merger of Wisconsin Central and Canadian National railroad companies. The $1.2 billion acquisition of Wisconsin Central by Canadian National (resulting in the merger) is to expected to improve rail freight service to Wisconsin, due to Canadian National’s faster connections through the Chicago terminals, operated by its subsidiary, Illinois Central.

Wisconsin Central Limited Railroad is presently the major railroad line that provides freight service to Winnebago County. Within the County there are two primary routes that Wisconsin Central operates to serve communities and industries. The north-south route connects the Oshkosh Area with Fond du Lac, Milwaukee and the Chicago Rail Yards to the south; while the northern segment connects Oshkosh to the Appleton / Fox Cities Area and Green Bay. Freight transfers and switching operations for Wisconsin Central take place in the rail yards located at Appleton, Menasha, Neenah and Oshkosh. The Wisconsin Central operates a secondary line that connects the Menasha Yard with the Manitowoc Area and Lake Michigan Shoreline communities. During the week, approximately 25 freight trains are scheduled on a daily basis to meet the shipping demands of the area.

The east-west route operated by Wisconsin Central connects the Neenah Yard with Stevens Point and Marshfield in Central Wisconsin; as well as the major railroad terminals located further west in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis / St. Paul) and Duluth, Minnesota. This main line schedules approximately 30 freight trains daily to meet the shipping demands of the regional railroad centers located in the Upper Midwest.

One of the County’s largest grain terminals served by the Wisconsin Central railroad is known as the Olson’s Mills (originally known as Fitzgerald Station). This facility is located at the intersection of Highway 91 and Claireville Road, in the Town of Algoma.

Wisconsin and Southern Railroad

Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is the short line rail operation that serves the Oshkosh Area and the southern portion of Winnebago County including the Pickett area farm cooperative and vegetable canning plant. Based in Horicon, Wisconsin, the railroad company provides freight service between Oshkosh and Ripon.

34 6) TRUCK TRANSPORTATION

In Winnebago County, truck transportation and the supporting truck freight terminals are a very vital means of moving durable and non-durable goods throughout the County. Trucks also play a vital role in the delivery of goods and services throughout Winnebago County and beyond. There are 11 major truck terminal locations in the County, which are shown by letters on Map #5.

Town of Menasha

The Town of Menasha contains five major truck freight terminals, located within close proximity to County and State Roads, rail service, paper companies, manufacturing plants, and warehousing/distribution centers. These trucking companies and terminals include A-B-F Freight Lines (A) on West Prospect (County Road “BB”), Swift Transportation (B) on American Drive, USF Holland Inc. (C) located on Kimberly Drive, Con-Way (D) on Ehlers Road, and Tax Air Freight Inc. (K) located on Independence Drive.

Town of Neenah

N & M Transfer Company (F) is the largest trucking company and freight terminal operation located within the boundaries of Winnebago County. This company is also one of the largest trucking firms in Northeastern Wisconsin, and within the State of Wisconsin. The company facilities are located on Muttart Road, east of U.S. Highway 41 with access coming from County Road G.

Town of Oshkosh

Dayton Freight Lines (H) is located in the Town of Oshkosh at the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and State Road 110. The terminal location at 3330 State Road 110 provides an excellent site to distribute freight and services to the Oshkosh Area and the Fox Cities Metro Area to the north.

Town of Vinland

In the Town of Vinland, the trucking companies and terminals are located in close proximity to U.S.H. 45, which provides an interchange link to U.S.H. 41. These companies include Ecklund Carriers, Inc. (E) and American Freightways (G).

35 City of Oshkosh

There are two major terminal operations that are located in the City of Oshkosh. One is rather unique in terms of the services provided. United Parcel Service (UPS) (I) is located in the Oshkosh North Industrial Park near the intersection of Jackson Street (State Rd 76) and Snell Road. UPS is noted for its pick-up and delivery services of parcels. From the Oshkosh Terminal, the fleet of delivery vans distributes and pick-up parcels in the Oshkosh, Fox Cities, and Fond du Lac Areas.

The second terminal is associated with Badger Federal Services Inc. (J), which is located in the City of Oshkosh Southwest Industrial Park. Situated on South Oakwood Avenue, the trucking company has good access to U.S. H. 41, and SRD 44 and SRD 91 for freight distribution.

Truck Routes

Associated closely with the trucking companies and the freight terminals in Winnebago County, are the designated truck routes located throughout the County. As shown on Map #5, these truck routes are located along most federal, state and county roads in Winnebago County. Additional truck routes are also designated within the various Cities, Villages and Towns in the County.

The primary truck route in Winnebago County is U.S.H. 41, which has been upgraded to freeway status in recent years, with access being provided only at interchanges. U.S.H. 45 and 10 are other major truck routes that serves Winnebago County.

Additional truck routes throughout the County include the State Road System. These State Roadways include 21, 26, 44, 91, 116, and 175.

7) WATER TRANSPORTATION

Winnebago County has been blessed with an unusually large amount of surface water utilized for recreational, fishing, and hunting activities. Due to the vast water system, the State and County communities benefit from tourism dollars, but also spend money to maintain the navigational system that avoids boating accidents and directs boat traffic.

The DNR patrols the waterways with boats capable of rescue services. The Fire and/or Police Departments from the Cities of Oshkosh, Neenah, and Menasha all have boats that are specifically designed for emergency situations. During the winter season, all of the cities also have equipment to conduct ice rescue. The City of Menasha also has a hover craft that can rescue people whose vehicles have gone through the ice. .

36 The Pioneer Inn has the only known tour boat that operates daily cruises on the Fox River through the Oshkosh area and into Lake Winnebago from late spring to early fall. Marinas in the Oshkosh area also rent boats and jet skis to operate in the lakes and rivers.

The water transportation system for Winnebago County includes 77 buoys, two lock and dams, 73 bridges, two lift bridges, and one pedestrian bridge.

Buoys

For navigational purposes, the Winnebago County Parks Department contracts with Radtke Excavating Inc. (Winneconne) to install buoys in the spring and remove them in the fall. Map #6 illustrates the location of the 77 buoys in Lake Winnebago, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Winneconne and the Wolf River Channel that lies in Lake Poygan. Buoys generally mark shallow areas or river channels to keep boaters from becoming stranded in shallow depths.

Lock and Dams

One lock and dam operates in the City of Menasha to allow boaters to traverse from Little Lake Butte De Morts to Lake Winnebago and back. There is also another lock and dam located on the Upper Fox River in Eureka that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

. Bridges

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) defines a bridge as “a structure having an opening measured along the center of the roadway of more than 20 feet between the face of abutments, or the extreme ends of openings for multiple box culverts, or the extreme ends of openings for multiple pipe culverts where the clear distance between openings is less than half of the smaller contiguous opening.” There are 75 structures in Winnebago County, including the lift bridges described below, that meet this definition.

Maintenance responsibility for structures located on any county road, town road, or city or village street is generally that of the local unit of government. Bridges located on portions of federal and state highways on city-connecting routes, are generally maintained and inspected by the city.

Bridges are classified based on the functional classification of the roadway they carry. This classification provides an indication of the bridge’s role in serving as a transportation link. The classification is based on bridge location (urban/rural) and classification of the roadway it carries. Winnebago County bridges can be classified as 1% Rural Arterial (RA), 22% Rural Collector (RC), 35% Rural Local (RL), 22% Urban Arterial (UA), 5% Urban Collector (UC), and 15% Urban Local (UL).

37 Lift Bridges

For larger boats, the river channels through Oshkosh and Winneconne have lift bridges that operate during the boating season. A movable railroad trestle in Oshkosh also operates to let boats through during the season as well.

Pedestrian Bridge

A pedestrian bridge built on top of the old Highway 21 bridge abutments is located across the Fox River in the City of Omro. Several pedestrian bridges are in the planning stages at various points across U.S. Highway 41. Locations of these potential bridges are outlined on Maps 4 and 5.

Regional Water Transportation

The closest shipping location over water is the port in Green Bay, approximately 30 miles northeast of Winnebago County. In 1999, 1.9 million tons of freight passed through Green Bay’s port. Water transportation of raw materials, goods, and products is the most environmentally safe, cost-effective means of transportation for bulk commodities. Water isn’t the fastest mode of transportation, but water transport has economies of scale over what can be accomplished through truck or rail.

The Green Bay port can be beneficial to companies and governmental entities that need bulk type materials to be shipped in or out of the area.

COUNTY HIGHWAY RELATED ISSUES

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