The National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, September 2022. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Two Northeast Wisconsin building projects that were previously left out of the state budget, now have new life.
Governor Tony Evers announced he’s investing $36.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds into building projects across the state in Janesville, Milwaukee, Ashwaubenon, and Door County that were previously rejected by members of the Wisconsin State Legislature in the final 2023-25 Capital Budget.
The five projects are:
- $7 million for the National Railroad Museum expansion to meet the growing need for museum offerings, accessibility, and immersive programming.
- $330,000 for the Door County Peninsula Players Theatre upgrades, which will provide safe and modern dormitory facilities for the company that draws nearly 40,000 visitors locally.
- $15 million for the Janesville Sports and Convention Center, which will generate an estimated $13 million in new economic impact to the community, as well as provide a regional venue for in-state athletic events.
- $9.3 million for the Milwaukee Iron District new soccer stadium will transform a long-vacant property into a thriving destination, as well as advance both local and state tourism and athletic as well as community offerings at one of the busiest intersections in the state.
- $5 million for the Bronzeville Center for the Arts, on the site of the former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources building in Milwaukee, which will elevate the history and culture of African Americans and promises to become a Wisconsin cultural tourism destination.
The governor says the investment is projected to support more than 400 jobs and nearly $68 million in economic activity.
“These five projects will have a long-term impact on our state’s economy and on economic development in these communities from Green Bay to Janesville,” said Gov. Evers. “From creating a premier cultural tourism destination to welcome visitors from across our state and country to providing educational and entertainment opportunities for students and visitors folks of all ages, these projects were clearly missed opportunities during the Capital Budget process, and the economic impact of these investments will pay dividends for our future economic success.”
The projection is based on a study from the Associated General Contractors, which reported that for every $1 in construction spending, there is $1.81 of economic activity in Wisconsin, and for every $1 million of construction spent, 12 jobs are supported in the state’s economy.
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