Contact:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that H20 Development Co., LLC,
Plover, Portage County, will receive a $100,000 loan from the Gaming
Economic Diversification Program.
“My Grow Wisconsin initiative calls for supporting entrepreneurs as they try
to assist economic development,” said Gov. Doyle. “This project will help
to further establish Central Wisconsin as a regional tourism destination.”
H20 Development Co., LLC is developing a regional tourism destination, which
includes the Central Wisconsin AquaPlex and a 350-room full-service hotel
with a 60,000 sq.-ft. indoor water park and a 63,000 sq.-ft. convention
center. The AquaPlex will consist of three world-class man-made lakes with
grandstands, retail event space, and an amphitheater, among other things.
The AquaPlex is designed to host major state, regional, national, and
international water ski events and snowmobile/sno-cross competitions.
The loan will be used for working capital during the development and
construction phase of the project. The project is expected to create 350
full-time jobs and 150 part-time and seasonal positions.
The Gaming Economic Diversification Loan Program provides low-interest loans
to Wisconsin businesses that have been affected by or will diversify the
local community from gaming, and have a comprehensive business plan that
describes the proposed project.
Interested businesses can contact a Commerce Area Development Manager by
visiting www.commerce.wi.gov/BD/MT-FAX-0901.html.
Entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Wisconsin can access early
planning grants to assist them in obtaining the professional services
necessary to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed start-up or expansion
project. Specific allocations have been set aside for dairy farmers, rural
businesses, recycling firms, and enterprises owned by people with
disabilities or members of minority groups. Entrepreneurs who wish to
receive the training necessary to prepare their own business plans can also
access this program. For further information about this program, contact
Jamie Wall, Commerce, at 608/267-0770.
