Milwaukee — State Representative Lena C. Taylor (D-Milwaukee) has been appointed Chairperson of the newly created Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Labor Development Committee for the Marquette Interchange Project. “I am honored to be given this opportunity,” said Taylor. “This Committee is designed to develop a strong diverse transportation construction workforce by ensuring workers receive the training they need to fill the construction jobs that will become available as this project progresses.” Governor Jim Doyle has asked WisDOT to set aggressive goals for DBE and labor to provide opportunities throughout the four-year construction project and to sustain workforce and business growth into the future. Made up of representatives from community organizations, organized labor, MATC, and state and local officials, the committee will meet throughout the duration of the Marquette Interchange Project. “This Committee will work on methods to develop a well-trained workforce,” noted Taylor. “We will focus on providing outreach and recruitment of laborers, worker preparation, and ensuring continuing employment, retention and related support services necessary to maintain a ready workforce.” For this year, the initial phase of the Marquette Interchange Project is expected to hire an additional 50 workers. At the height of the project in 2006, the goal is to have up to 550 workers in construction labor, skilled trade and support activities. Rep. Taylor and other committee members will work hard to make sure that candidates have the training they need to compete for these high paying jobs. Rep. Taylor has also been serving on the Marquette Interchange Project Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal Setting Committee. The purpose of this committee is to increase participation of firms owned by disadvantaged individuals in the Marquette Interchange Project. “By working closely with WisDOT officials on both of these committees, it is my intention to ensure that minority and women owned businesses and workers are given ample opportunity to participate in this important road project,” concluded Taylor. For more information on how you may become eligible for one of the training programs for the construction phase of the Marquette Interchange Project contact the Big Step Program at 414-962-5067