Gov. Doyle: Announces $6.8 million for water infrastructure project in Superior

Contact: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Funding Will Improve Water System, Create up to 70 Jobs for Hardworking Families

SUPERIOR – Governor Jim Doyle today announced nearly $6.8 million in funding for a clean water infrastructure project in Superior that will create up to 70 jobs. The $6,796,242 investment is being used for sewerage and stormwater system upgrades. Half of the funding is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the other half is from the State Clean Water Fund Program.

“We are continuing to invest in important wastewater projects made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will help stimulate local economies and benefit future generations,” Governor Doyle said. “With this funding, the City of Superior will be able to improve water quality, reduce the risk of overflows, and keep sediments out of our lakes and rivers. At the same time, the construction involved in these projects will create up to 70 jobs for hardworking families right here in Superior.”

Governor Doyle made the announcement at the City of Superior’s Environmental Services public works facility. The project will help the City of Superior meet water quality standards, reduce the risk of sewer surcharges, and direct the water to detention basins before it is discharged – keeping sediments out of the St. Louis and Nemadji Rivers and Lake Superior. Specifically, the project includes investments in the Billings Park Stormwater Basin and the South Superior Stormwater Interceptor.

Work on the project began in May and is expected to be completed by fall 2010. Over the course of the project, dozens of jobs will be created for workers in construction and plumbing.

Statewide, over $200 million is being spent on water infrastructure projects – including over $100 in American Recovery and Reinvestment funds. The funding is helping 34 communities make long-term improvements that create jobs for hardworking residents. For a list of statewide water projects visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=17248. In addition, Wisconsin is receiving $37 million in federal funding for drinking water infrastructure investments.

To protect the state’s water supply and help local communities fund clean water projects, Governor Doyle has worked hard to maintain funding for the state water programs – even in tough economic times. In his last budget, Governor Doyle maintained levels of grant funding for Wisconsin’s runoff management program, as well as bonding authority programs for stormwater and flood management systems. In addition, Governor Doyle recently signed into law changes to the state’s Clean Water Fund program to ensure the state can receive its full share of funding through the Recovery Act clean water program.

The Recovery Act has helped every state, including Wisconsin, deal with the most difficult national economic times since the Great Depression, while paving the way for future economic growth. In Wisconsin, the Recovery Act has been credited with creating or retaining more than 44,000 jobs.

Since the program was created, Wisconsin has overseen nearly $1.1 billion in Recovery Act expenditures. Major projects in Wisconsin have included road construction projects, major water infrastructure, and a new high speed rail line that will create thousands of jobs and benefit the state’s economy for generations. Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin is also the only state to direct 100 percent of the Recovery Act’s state energy funds to help the state’s largest manufacturers find savings through energy efficiency and create jobs.