Baldwin Introduces Bill to Revitalize Waterfront Communities, Support Economic Development and Strong Ecosystems

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced comprehensive legislation to revitalize waterfront communities, including Wisconsin towns and cities along the 800-miles of Great Lakes coastline, supporting their economic development and ecosystems. The Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act of 2024 will support community efforts to boost their environmental health, attract water-dependent industries, and enhance recreation and tourism. 

“Wisconsin’s fresh coasts and the communities on them are not only home to so many Wisconsin families, but they are also critical assets for our economy and environment,” said Senator Baldwin. “They are vital for our long-term economic security, with the Great Lakes economy supporting over 300,000 jobs and $8.8 billion in wages. As our coastal communities face aging infrastructure and extreme weather events, we must streamline support for them so they are resilient and here to support our economies and way of life for generations to come.” 

Many waterfront communities were built around their water resources decades ago and are now working to overcome infrastructure issues such as limited public access and poor alignment with modern development. In addition to adapting to economic shifts, waterfront communities are facing pressures to make investments in coastal infrastructure that can withstand weather extremes, like storms, floods, and fluctuating water levels; and adapt to changing ecosystem conditions that range from shoreline erosion, to harmful algal blooms, to stressors on fisheries.

Waterfront planning and implementation requires communities to navigate intergovernmental hurdles, work across constituent groups and agencies, and secure financing. But many communities lack the tools to make it from vision to reality—despite the economic returns from revitalization and the payoff that resiliency preparation can provide in the long term.

The Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act aims to help local communities plan for the future and solve these problems by:

• Creating a voluntary Resilient Waterfront Community designation within the Department of Commerce at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The designation recognizes communities that adopt and implement a resilient waterfront community plan integrating economic, ecosystem, and infrastructure challenges and opportunities.

• Establishing a Resilient Waterfront Communities Network to share best practices, highlighting Resilient Waterfront Communities and attracting tourism and new investment opportunities.

• Creating a Grant Program to provide funding to develop and implement a Resilient Waterfront Community plan. Grants could be used to advance various projects, such as:
  • Improving waterfront access;
  • Acquiring easement for public amenities; and
  • Making infrastructure upgrades that improve coastal resiliency.

The Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act is endorsed by the American Society of Landscape Architects, National Association of Realtors, Association of Marina Industries, National League of Cities, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, Wisconsin Towns Association, Wisconsin Counties Association, Clean Wisconsin, Alliance for the Great Lakes, American Planning Association – Wisconsin, Wisconsin League of Municipalities, Gathering Waters, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, Oconto Mayor John Panetti, Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson, Racine Mayor Cory Mason, Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels, Marinette Mayor Steve Genisot, Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala, Ashland Mayor Matthew MacKenzie, and Superior Mayor Jim Paine.

“Waterfront communities across Wisconsin, the Great Lakes region, and the nation face increased threats from climate change,” said Erik Kanter, Government Relations Director of Clean Wisconsin. “Whether it’s issues with flooding, fluctuating lake levels, or shoreland erosion caused by strong storms, waterfront communities need funding and resources to better prepare for extreme weather and the ongoing effects of our changing climate. The Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act offers that much needed support and valuable new tools for these affected communities.” 

“The Alliance for the Great Lakes supports Senator Baldwin’s efforts to revitalize coastal communities along the Great Lakes by ensuring waterfronts serve residents’ needs and support healthy Lakes. From economic development opportunities to world-class recreation, the Great Lakes provide a high quality of life for coastal residents. We value Senator Baldwin’s commitment to a future where Great Lakes waterfronts have necessary infrastructure upgrades, sustainable economic development, and continue to prioritize public access,” said Joel Brammeier, President and CEO of Alliance for the Great Lakes.

“On behalf of the National Association of REALTORS’® 1.5 million members, we thank Senator Baldwin for introducing the Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act of 2024,” said Kevin Sears, President of National Association of Realtors. “We fully support this legislation, which has the potential to bolster economic development, enhance community resilience, and safeguard coastal property values. Many waterfront communities face struggles today because of their outdated resources, resulting in difficulty overcoming limited public access and poor alignment with modern development. This bill addresses long-term solutions to these challenges, and NAR looks forward to collaborating with Congress as this bill progresses.”

A one-pager on the legislation can be found here, and the bill text can be found here. 

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