Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves 50 Community Projects Across Wisconsin Supported by $50 Million State Budget Investment | WTAQ News Talk
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, chair of the Wisconsin State Building Commission (SBC), today announced the Commission approved a total of $160.8 million in key projects around the state, including $50 million for 50 projects in communities across Wisconsin funded through the new Non-State Grant Program, which was created in the 2023-25 biennial budget enacted by Gov. Evers last summer. These grants are targeted at bolstering critical infrastructure and services across key sectors such as health and wellness, economic and workforce development, arts and culture, and public services. By investing in projects that address pressing community needs—from expanding healthcare facilities to supporting workforce training and preserving cultural institutions—this funding will have a lasting, statewide impact, ensuring resources are distributed fairly across both urban and rural areas.
Gov. Evers has made building strong, safe, and resilient communities a top priority and is committed to ensuring the state’s infrastructure, workforce, and economy are prepared to meet the needs of the 21st Century. Last November, Gov. Evers launched the new Non-State Grant Program to support local infrastructure improvement and community development projects in communities across the state. The Wisconsin Department of Administration received overwhelming interest in the program, receiving more than 250 applications.
“I was glad to launch the Non-State Grant Program last year because an investment in local capital projects like these is an investment in local jobs and economies and improving public services and the quality of life for Wisconsinites statewide. I’m incredibly excited about these projects and the investments we’re making in communities in every corner of Wisconsin—this is great news for our state,” said Gov. Evers. “From strengthening hospital and emergency response services to honoring local veterans and supporting our tourism industry, among so much more, I’m looking forward to getting these critical investments out to communities that need them so these good folks can get to work on projects that will help serve our local communities.”
A statewide map of the approved 50 Non-State Grant Program projects by county is available here (note: counties receiving multiple grants are only reflected once). The 50 Non-State Grant Program projects … are listed via the link below.
In addition to the Non-State Grant Program projects, the State Building Commission also approved:
- Acquisition of two key properties for the University of Wisconsin System (UW), one at UW-Madison and the other at UW-Stevens Point, which align with each campus’ long-term development strategies outlined in their respective master plans. These properties will support future academic and infrastructure projects essential to campus growth and modernization;
- Authorization of two critical facility repair projects for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) at the Central Wisconsin Center and Southern Wisconsin Center. These projects will address building envelope repairs and essential HVAC improvements to ensure safer, more efficient environments for both residents and staff at these care facilities;
- Approval for five projects that will address a range of pressing infrastructure needs. Projects include a comprehensive campuswide fire alarm and smoke detection system replacement at UW-Green Bay, extensive exterior envelope repairs at UW-La Crosse and UW-Milwaukee, a major roof replacement at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium at UW-Madison, and significant health and safety improvements at the UW-Parkside Facilities Management Center. These projects are part of the UW System Minor Facilities Renewal Program;
- Approval of three UW System projects under the Instructional Space and Technology Projects Program, targeting essential upgrades to instructional spaces across multiple campuses. Projects include renovations at the UW-Eau Claire Haas Fine Arts Center, the UW-La Crosse Wing Technology Center, and the UW-River Falls Agricultural Engineering and Agricultural Science Laboratories. These improvements are designed to enhance modern teaching and research capabilities, aligning with the growing demands of academic programs;
- Authorization for two local government-owned buildings at the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. These buildings serve as the hub for the North Lakeland Elementary School’s natural and cross-country ski trail programs, supporting local environmental education and outdoor physical activity initiatives; and
- Authorization for 24 facility maintenance and repair projects across various state agencies, including the Wisconsin Departments of Corrections, DHS, Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, and the UW System. These projects will address infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and essential repairs to ensure the ongoing functionality and safety of state-owned facilities.
The Building Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and made up of the following members:
- State Senator Brad Pfaff;
- State Senator Joan Ballweg;
- State Senator André Jacque;
- State Representative Jill Billings;
- State Representative Rob Swearingen;
- State Representative Robert Wittke; and
- Citizen Member Barb Worcester.
