Wisconsin Governor Announces Funds for Brownfield Projects

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced close to $400,000 in Brownfields “Ready For Reuse” funds for La Crosse and Prairie du Chien to assist with the clean up of contaminated properties.

“This funding will not only revitalize brownfields, but will also create and retain jobs, protect public health and the environment, and leverage private investment,” Governor Doyle said. “These awards would not have been possible without funding provided by the federal Recovery Act.”

The following projects will receive funding:

$200,000 grant to the La Crosse Industrial Park Corporation for demolition and cleanup activities at the former Trane Company’s Plant 6 site on the city’s near north side. 

$189,300 loan to the city of Prairie du Chien for cleaning up contamination at an industrial site as part of the city’s downtown Gateway Redevelopment project.

The funding is part of $2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources competed for and received for brownfields work.  Since 2004, the state has received $8 million in federal brownfields cleanup funds. 

Governor Doyle also announced that LIPCO will receive a $165,000 Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment grant from the Department of Commerce.  The funds will be used to supplement the DNR funding for the Trane 6 location.

“Brownfield grants ensure that land use is environmentally and economically friendly,” Governor Doyle said. “I’m happy to help La Crosse Industrial Park Corporation expand its operations while improving environmental quality.”