(WEAU) – Potholes and unstable roads can often be a nightmare for drivers.

But two projects in Eau Claire County have been selected for funding through the County Highway Discretionary Improvement Program and Town Road Discretionary Improvement Program.

"To maintain the highway system in your local communities, its important to keep them up otherwise you're going to have a lot of dysfunctional roads and potholes,” said Janice Watzke of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in a phone interview.

A local firefighter believes improving the roads can help them save your life.

"I don't think anybody likes potholes you know and broken down sides of roads but as a fireman its dangerous if you're trying to get to some bodies house to save their kids, a pothole can put you in a ditch," said Fall Creek firefighter, Kurt Jensen.

Drivers also say the state money can create jobs here in Wisconsin.

“Well it's definitely creating jobs, you have to hire a company to do the roadwork,” said Jensen.

“Well I will certainly support them, there is a need, it provides employment for folks in the area all the better,” said John McGraff of Eau Claire.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation estimates the projects in Eau Claire will cost about 800 thousand dollars.

Governor Walker released a statement saying, “These projects will improve the state's county highway system, while creating new jobs and economic growth."

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says the projects could start as early as this summer, depending on how big they are. They also say the projects must be completed by June 30th of 2017.