Wisconsin's roads will remain open for travel this winter after Governor Jim Doyle instructed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to work with the state's legislature to make sure Wisconsin's counties keep their snowplows on the road.

"It's vital that we keep our highways plowed," Governor Doyle said. "This issue is too important to allow budget cuts to jeopardize highway safety."

During the budget process, the Republican-controlled legislature cut funding the Governor had requested for snow plowing, maintenance and operations. These cuts would have forced some reductions in late-night and weekend plowing, but Governor Doyle has instructed his Department of Transportation to work with the Legislature to find the funding so that plowing can continue. In the meantime, counties have been directed to get the plows back on the roads.

In the last snowfall, snow removal activities were at their normal pace. In fact, the Associated Press reported that as the first winter storm of the season blew across Wisconsin dumping a foot of snow in some places, government officials responsible for clearing the roads said they provided the same snow removal service as a year ago.

With more than 40 inches of average snowfall and countless indoor and outdoor attractions and events, the Badger State is a winter haven for travelers. Winter tourism in Wisconsin accounts for over $3.4 billion in traveler spending, making the season an important economic driver for the state.

"Wisconsin has one of the best systems for snow removal in the Midwest and that system will be running on schedule," Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Jim Holperin said. "We want visitors to know that our roads are safe for travel throughout the winter season."

Visitors traveling by automobile to Wisconsin can obtain the latest road condition reports by calling 1-800-ROAD-WIS or visiting www.dot.wisconsin.gov. For free Wisconsin travel information and weekly snow condition reports for downhill ski and snowboard areas and snowmobile and cross country ski trails, the public can visit travelwisconsin.com or call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's 24-hour. Visitors can also obtain snow reports and travel guides at the 10 Wisconsin Travel Information Centers, which are located in select state-border cities.

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Media Contact: Lisa Marshall +1 608-267-3773 lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com