MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Seven Northeast Wisconsin communities are receiving federal COVID-19 relief money for construction or renovations of public libraries and community centers.
The grants are part of $115 million given to 35 Wisconsin communities. Gov. Tony Evers’ office announced the grants Monday.
Local projects receiving money, with descriptions provided by the governor’s office, are:
Brown County
$4,025,691
Funding funds will assist with building renovations to create the Denmark Community Center and Library, which will benefit over 6,000 individuals who have been without a public library or community center since its closure in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The newly renovated facility will provide services to those without reliable or affordable home internet and individuals needing training and support in navigating job searches, online education, and telemedicine access. The construction will include building two classrooms, four multi-purpose spaces, and a mobile computer lab featuring ten laptops. The project will include access to free internet, technology training, employment assistance, educational programs, and health and wellness services through county partners and non-profit organizations.
Fremont
$4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a tri-county public library and community center, which will benefit over 2,100 individuals, including low-income families, seniors, and youth. Funding will go towards building a library and community center space with three telemedicine rooms, a senior center, and a computer lab with ten desktop computers. The project will invest in flexible spaces that enable remote access to work, education and health monitoring, and will include study rooms, a dedicated teen space, a STEM space, and a safe indoor children’s play area.
New London
$3,900,000
Funding will assist with public library renovations and improvements, which will benefit over 15,000 individuals, including those who are of lower socioeconomic status, disabled, and elderly. Funding will go towards the expansion of an existing library space to include six classrooms, a science lab, and three computer labs with 30 desktop computers. With project funding, the library will have increased broadband speed and technology that will address digital equity gaps and improve spaces, services, and materials, enhancing work, education, and healthcare monitoring.
Ripon
$1,985,000
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 7,600 individuals, including residents living below the poverty line, elderly residents, people with disabilities, minority groups, and those without access to high-speed internet. Funding will go towards expanding the existing library through the addition of telemedicine rooms, computer labs, and a large multi-purpose space. With project funding, the library will have dynamic available spaces for patrons to use for work, including online interviews and meetings, education, including online classes and exams, and healthcare monitoring, including telehealth appointments.
Shawano
$4,250,000
Funding will assist with the expansion of a multi-purpose recreation center, which will benefit over 9,200 individuals, including those lacking modern infrastructure and high-quality broadband internet. Funding will go towards renovating a multi-purpose community facility with a computer lab, a classroom, and two telemedicine rooms. The project aims to bridge digital access gaps by upgrading the facility to create electronic devices available for public use.
Waupaca
$4,165,225
Funding will assist with the expansion of a community center, which will benefit over 4,500 individuals, including senior citizens, low to moderate-income households, and persons with disabilities. Funding will go towards renovating the existing community center with two classrooms, two telemedicine rooms, and a computer lab with 16 desktop computers. Additionally, this project aims to install high-speed internet, a gymnasium, and a career center and lab to directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.
Wautoma
$4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new YMCA for the Waushara County area, which will benefit over 3,200 individuals, including low-income families, elderly individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and underserved youth. Funding will go towards building a new community center with a wellness center, a community lounge, and five classrooms with 25 laptop computers. The project will address critical community needs by providing a versatile space for activities and integrating cutting-edge digital connectivity equipment to support work, education, and healthcare monitoring in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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