Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Wednesday approved $10 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at ports and harbors across the state.
In collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the money seeks to encourage economic development.
“When we look at ways our local businesses can move Wisconsin’s high-quality products worldwide, Wisconsin has a tremendous geographic advantage with the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River on our Northern, Western, and Eastern boarders,” Gov. Evers said. “These investments in our harbors build on the advantage we already have by bolstering our harbors to strengthen our supply chain and open new opportunities for business growth in our state.”
For example, the Port of Milwaukee will receive more than $1 million to “repair and reconstruct a section of dock wall along the Jones Island Inner Mooring Basin.”
A similar amount will be given to the Port of Green Bay, focusing on the shoreline and a dock wall near the mouth of the Fox River.
“Whether we look at the new agricultural shipping capabilities of Port Milwaukee or the boom in shipbuilding and crane manufacturing, Wisconsin’s harbors provide strength and resilience for our transportation infrastructure and economy,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Thank you to all who worked hard to make these investments happen.”
While the funds are focused on economic development in the state, previous appropriation from Evers has drawn criticism. For example, the governor used money from the American Rescue Plan to issue millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood through grants. One legal group questioned Evers’ legal standing.
In a separate decision, removed the consideration of race from a mortgage-assistance program following concerns from the Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty (WILL).
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tony Evers” by Tony Evers. Background Photo “Port of Milwaukee” by Michael Pereckas. CC BY 2.0.
