Fifteen Communities Receive Wisconsin Waterfront Revitalization Grants

For Immediate Release: October 23, 2008
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle today announced that 15 communities will receive Wisconsin Waterfront Revitalization Initiative grants totaling $238,000.

"Wisconsin's rivers, lakes and streams are among our greatest assets. Revitalizing our waterfronts helps build strong local economies by attracting new business, raising land values and drawing local citizens and tourists to a community," Governor Doyle said. "The Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative is helping communities protect and develop their waterfronts so they can be enjoyed by all for many years to come."

All the plans recommended for funding have strong economic development components and many contain strong tourism components necessary to the survival of some downtown businesses. The following communities will receive funding:

City of Beaver Dam - Dodge County $13,000
The City of Beaver Dam's proposed plan addresses the redevelopment of an area along the Beaver Dam River that is adjacent to the central business district area. The project area contains abandoned, idled or underused land that is either publicly or privately owned.

City of Berlin - Green Lake County $18,000
The City of Berlin, situated on the Fox River, recently reconstructed one bridge and added another. With the two thoroughfares, the land between the bridges is now visible from all angles where it was formerly overlooked. The proposed plan focuses on redeveloping this area by identifying necessary road, streetscape and river walk improvements, as well as incentives for local fa�ade improvements and TIF assistance for developers.

City of Durand - Pepin County $9,000
The City of Durand's proposed plan addresses the waterfront behind its main street businesses. The area, located on the Chippewa River, has trails on both sides, which, if restored, could benefit the main street businesses. The area is also highly visible to traffic on the recently completed and relocated Highway 10 bridge. By making the shoreline attractive, it is expected to lure traffic to the downtown.

City of Jefferson - Jefferson County $21,000
The City of Jefferson, located on the convergence of the Rock and Crawfish Rivers, has identified a need to address blighted property along the downtown riverfront. The relocation of industrial businesses and operations away from the downtown will provide opportunities for additional office, residential, retail and entertainment development along the riverfront.

City of Kewaunee - Kewaunee County $14,000
The City of Kewaunee recognizes the need to convert vacant, former industrial waterfront properties into appropriate developments that complement the lakefront activities. Located where the Kewaunee River meets the shores of Lake Michigan, the city relies heavily on tourism. Kewaunee proposes a strategy to strengthen the tourism market and revitalize the downtown business district by improving blighted areas along waterfront properties adjacent to the downtown area.

City of Manitowoc - Manitowoc County $15,000
The City of Manitowoc, located where the Manitowoc River flows into Lake Michigan, is home to one of the last remaining working industrial ports on Lake Michigan. The harbor and river are frequented by a variety of commercial users ranging from barges transporting bulk commodities to yachts and personal pleasure crafts. The city plans to develop a riverfront walkway that will encourage public access to the waterfront by connecting the river to the historic downtown.

City of Mequon - Ozaukee County $15,000
Located just north of Milwaukee, the City of Mequon has waterfront properties on both Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River. The City has developed a 10-15 year vision for area development and revitalization. Future plans include the development of a riverfront park, a river walk, additional housing, and the revitalization of key retail areas.

City of Merrill - Lincoln County $18,000
Situated on the Wisconsin and Prairie Rivers, the City of Merrill wishes to develop its waterfront to attract the thousands of tourists headed north on U.S. Highway 51. Merrill's plan focuses on an area considered to be the gateway to the city. The plan will explore options for the development of caf�s and restaurants, as well as a marina to attract watercraft users.

City of New London - Waupaca County $13,000
The City of New London is proposing to redevelop the downtown Wolf River waterfront through an effort to revitalize downtown and develop the city-owned riverfront property. The city's plan will identify the financial needs and feasibility of repairs to the north river wall and alley, a dock installation, street parking improvements, and a pedestrian bridge.

Village of North Fond du Lac - Fond du Lac County $20,000
Located on Lake Winnebago, the village hopes to redevelop a shoreline site into the first hotel/convention center in the area. The proposed plan addresses tourism and recreational opportunities in the lakefront area, as well as opportunities to better connect the area with the village's main business district located nearby.

City of Prairie du Chien - Crawford County $16,000
Located at the convergence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, the City of Prairie du Chien uses its waterfront for industrial, residential, retail, tourist and recreational purposes. Further development of the waterfront requires a plan that will encourage and better manage development along the Mississippi River, protect the natural and cultural resources of the community, and encourage appropriate waterfront recreational uses.

Village of Sauk City - Sauk County $20,000
Situated on the Wisconsin River bordering northern Dane County, the Village of Sauk City is developing a plan to bring new economic opportunity and vitality to the underutilized downtown and riverfront area. Two major events during the past few years are somewhat of a stimulus for the village in undertaking a plan. The first is a fire which totally destroyed two buildings downtown and the other is the completion of a newly constructed U.S. Highway 12 bridge that provides a visual gateway to the downtown area.

Village of Somerset - St. Croix County $9,000
Somerset, located on the Apple River, proposes a plan that will examine options for redeveloping the waterfront shoreline to better accommodate tourists to the area as well as provide a linkage to nearby businesses. The Apple River annually attracts thousands of inner-tubers and the village hopes to spur investment and interest in the area.

City of Wisconsin Dells - Columbia County $19,000
Visitors to the City of Wisconsin Dells have been restricted primarily by boat to views of the Wisconsin River. Recently, the City acquired a 14-acre former industrial property along the river. Plans to improve this area include a boat launch, a public performance venue, and a festival area with beach access. The plan will address challenges such as site access, environmental remediation, engineering and permitting requirements and parking options.

City of Wisconsin Rapids - Wood County $18,000
The City of Wisconsin Rapids proposes a plan that is expected to help the community stimulate business development and attain full occupancy of downtown waterfront areas. Plans also include more dining options, opportunities for greater use of public spaces in proximity to the river, improved public access for boating, and the development of mixed-use properties including condominiums, apartments, and buildings with retail and office space.

For more information on the Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/cd/cd-wwi-home.html.

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