Senator Baldwin Delivers for Northeastern Wisconsin in Government Funding Legislation

NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN – Wisconsin leaders are applauding U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s (D-WI) work to secure support for Northeastern Wisconsin in this year’s annual funding legislation. In total, Senator Baldwin secured over $260 million in direct support for over 80 community-driven projects across Wisconsin in the first and second bipartisan funding packages which were signed into law last month.

“Whether it’s investing in the infrastructure that brings travelers to the Fox Valley, expanding affordable housing for new homebuyers and seniors, or ensuring our emergency services have the tools they need to keep us safe, I’m proud to champion these projects for Northeastern Wisconsin,” said Senator Baldwin. “My job is to listen to each community and fight for their unique needs, and the funding for these community-driven projects does just that. This direct support will confront the challenges we face, create safe and prosperous communities, and help build a brighter future.”

Senator Baldwin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured funding for the following community-driven projects in Northeastern Wisconsin:

Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)

$5,000,000 for airport infrastructure, including improvements for passenger boarding bridges.

“Providing a safe, efficient and comfortable passenger experience is a priority at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. The funding will assist us in all of these areas. The HVAC system upgrade will replace aging infrastructure, and use more energy efficient technology, making travel more comfortable for passengers and staff while being greener and more sustainable,” said Marty Piette, A.A.E., Airport Director of the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. “With jet bridges, safety is a priority. They are the work horses of airports and need to be operational no matter the temperature or weather conditions. Updating the jet bridges will ensure greater accessibility for passengers who need it and provide a safe entrance and exit from aircraft for everyone. We thank Senator Baldwin for her efforts in securing this funding.”

“Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport is an economic driver in our community, providing transportation options for local businesses as well as leisure travelers, while also helping support businesses like hotels, restaurants, gas stations and tourism attractions. Investments and upgrades to our facilities and operations benefits all of us,” said Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive.

Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity

$500,000 to support construction of single-family affordable homes.

“Receiving $500,000 from Senator Baldwin’s Congressionally Directed Spend Project is a transformative moment for Fox Cities Habitat and, more importantly, for the families in the Fox Cities Region. This significant investment, when combined with further public and private support, will enable us to expand production of affordable housing in our region at a time when the need has never been greater,” said John Weyenberg, CEO of Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity. “We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to help families struggling to find a safe and affordable place to live. Each of the 10 homes that this funding will support will be foundations for family stability, community strength, and hope for the future.” 

City of Manitowoc

$625,000 to support construction of affordable senior independent living residences.

“We would like to thank Senator Baldwin for providing support and advocacy around the ongoing housing needs within the City of Manitowoc,” said Manitowoc Mayor Justin M. Nickels. “Establishing new housing, especially affordable housing, continues to be a top priority for the City Council and I.”

Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office

$990,000 for ice rescue boats needed for rescues of individuals in distress on the recreational lakes and waterways of Winnebago County.

“I want to express my gratitude to Senator Baldwin and her staff for their tireless efforts in securing congressionally directed spending dollars for the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in order to fund and replace our end-of-life rescue airboats. Her dedication to public safety and to our community locally is truly commendable,” said Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz.

City of Oconto

$160,000 for mobile radios for the City’s Police and Fire Rescue Department.

“The significance of this funding cannot be overstated. These new mobile radios will not only enhance communication between our departments and dispatch but will also enable both departments to establish stronger lines of communication with our mutual aid partners. In our rural setting, where every second counts during emergencies, efficient communication is paramount,” said Oconto Fire Chief Josh Bostedt and Oconto Police Chief Kassie Dufek. “The improved connectivity afforded by these radios will undoubtedly save lives and enhance the safety of our residents and responders. On behalf of the entire emergency response team in Oconto, Wisconsin, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your support and advocacy. Your dedication to addressing the needs of our community has not gone unnoticed. The fact that our project, which was in dire need of funding, was heard and approved by the Senate reflects your commitment to serving the people of Wisconsin.”

ADVOCAP

$600,000 for a shared facility for childcare entrepreneurs in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

“We are so excited to be given the opportunity to help address our community’s childcare crisis through our new and innovative pilot project, the Childcare Incubator Program. This program will provide the opportunity to create and develop small businesses who will provide childcare in a rented facility that will replicate a family childcare environment,” said Tanya Marcoe, CPA, Executive Director of ADVOCAP. “ADVOCAP is so grateful to Senator Baldwin and everyone on the Appropriations Committee for their support with this program! We need to start thinking innovatively to address the childcare shortage, this program does just that!”

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

$845,000 to support a project, in partnership with Oconto Electric Cooperative, to move powerlines underground. The existing overhead line system is beyond its useful life and will be made more resilient to hazards and require less maintenance when powerlines are placed underground.

“Menominee Tribe is very appreciative of the efforts of Senator Baldwin securing Congressionally Directed Spending. Menominee Indian Reservation is a heavily forested, rural area of Northeast Wisconsin. During inclement weather events, the overhead power lines are often damaged resulting in extended power outages in very remote areas of Menominee. This project will move those lines underground resulting in a more resilient electrical grid,” said Benjamin Warrington, CET, Emergency Management Coordinator at Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin.

Brown County United Way

$450,000 to support childcare.

“Brown County United Way is grateful to have its Congressionally Directed Spending project included in the Fiscal Year 2024 funding bill. We, along with our community partners will leverage the $450,000.00 appropriation to address critical childcare issues that impact, children, families and employers throughout our community,” said Robyn Davis, J.D., President and CEO of Brown County United Way.

Fox Valley Workforce Development Board

$4,675,000 to support new approaches to re-engage out-of-work individuals and access to training, upskilling, and job services.

“As the labor landscape is quickly changing, the workforce development boards in Wisconsin are looking for new ways to better reach and serve previously underserved jobseekers to meet the need of employers facing labor shortages,” said Anthony Snyder, CEO of the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board. “These dollars will be used to move all Wisconsin workforce boards toward a human-centered design focus in how we find and work with these job seekers. By the end of the project, hundreds of thousands of workers statewide will benefit from a new and innovative way of doing business with their local workforce board, which benefits us all.”

Marian University

$1,049,000 to support health and STEM education programs.

“As an institution focused on strengthening the allied health workforce pipeline in Wisconsin, we are extremely grateful to Senator Baldwin and her staff for supporting our request for scientific equipment to enhance the learning experience for Marian University students majoring in nursing, chemistry and radiologic technology,” said Michelle E. Majewski, President of Marian University.

ThedaCare Regional Medical Center

$1,500,000 to support a building expansion project that will accommodate additional physician residents in Neenah, Wisconsin.

“The goal of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program is to prepare physicians to care for tomorrow’s health needs and challenges. Studies show nearly 55% of individuals who finish residency training stay within close proximity to the communities where they trained,” Imran Andrabi, MD, President and CEO of ThedaCare. “We are grateful for the community-driven projects funding led by Senator Baldwin, which will allow our GME program to reach its full potential by creating additional space and expanding the number of participating physician residents. Our new GME program will have a direct and positive impact on the health of our communities by ensuring the people of our region have access to care, close to home.”

Village of Wausaukee

Door County

$3,900,000 for public safety radio system.

Bellin College

$400,000 to establish a mental health nurse practitioner degree program.

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