MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) - A ceremony was held in Milwaukee Monday to highlight renovations for a new water technology facility.

A former seven-story warehouse is being converted into an incubator where new water technology firms can get their starts. It will also have research facilities for the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, as well as Badger Meter and the A-O Smith Corporation.

It’s a $20 million project, being funded both publicly and privately. Work began in July on renovating the 98,000 square foot facility, which will be called the Global Water Center. It’s expected to open in about a year.

Governor Scott Walker joined Milwaukee water technology advocates at a groundbreaking ceremony Monday. He said it’s a great example of how government is working together with the private sector.

Badger Meter CEO Richard Meeusen said the facility would highlight Metro Milwaukee’s efforts to become a worldwide leader in water technology business.