Contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Projects Will Strengthen Infrastructure, Create Nearly 200 Jobs
WEST MILWAUKEE – Governor Jim Doyle today announced nearly $1 million in brownfields grants from the Department of Commerce to assist two redevelopment efforts in Milwaukee County.
“My Grow Wisconsin Agenda for 2005 calls for new investments in infrastructure so our communities can expand and create jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “These grants strengthen Milwaukee County by moving forward economic renewal projects that make the most of underutilized properties, and create jobs for the community.”
The City of West Allis will receive a $675,000 brownfields grant to perform environmental remediation on an 11-acre parcel. The site will be redeveloped and will hold two multi-tenant facilities that will be used for light manufacturing, distribution centers, and office space. The project will create up to 200 jobs. The total project cost is $9.7 million, and will create nearly 200 jobs.
Miller Park Way LP will receive a $250,000 brownfields grant to assist in the demolition of the former Fleischmann-Kurth malting facility which the company recently acquired, and perform an environmental clean-up of the site. Following the clean-up, Miller Park Way will construct a $10 million modern retail and office complex.
“Cleaning up brownfields is about more than just renewing vacant land – it is about renewing the pride of a community and restoring jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “These redevelopments will not only create jobs and increase the attractiveness of the area, they will also add to the property tax base of these communities.”
“Thanks to the Governor and the Department of Commerce, this grant will allow the redevelopment of a blighted property that will spur the creation of nearly 200 jobs,” said West Allis Mayor Jeannette Bell.
“The Village of West Milwaukee has been an outstanding team member for the redevelopment efforts, and we are excited to add the State of Wisconsin to our team,” said Michael Petersen, President of the Heartland Development Group that is spearheading the project. “The Miller Park corridor is sure to be an economic success for both the village and ultimately the state by increasing the tax base.”
Commerce’s Brownfields Program provides grants to municipalities, local development corporations, and the private sector to support assessment, remediation and return of contaminated lands to productive use. Brownfields are abandoned, idle, or underused industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination. For more information about the Brownfields Program, contact Jason Scott, Commerce, at 608-261-7714.
