Gov. Walker highlights Foxconn impact during stop in Marathon

By Jerel Ballard, WSAW

MARATHON, Wis. (WSAW) -- Gov. Scott Walker is highlighting the statewide impact of Foxconn's $1 billion investment in Wisconsin with a stop in Marathon on Friday.

Gov. Walker visited the County Materials Corporation, which was hired to work on Phase 1 of the Foxconn development project.

Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group selected 28 companies to do initial construction on its manufacturing plant in Mount Pleasant-- including County Materials.

County Materials pipe facilities will manufacture and deliver concrete pipe and precast structures used to build storm water management systems on the project’s 787 acres of land.

Gov. Walker and many of his republican colleagues believe that the Foxconn project will transform Wisconsin's water resources, while creating jobs and position Wisconsin as a leading state economic business investment.

"This is the largest foreign direct investment in the history of America and It's the largest economic development project in our state," shared Walker. "There will be several work locations throughout the state."

But some democrats feel otherwise.

"When we start the 2019-2020 budget process, Wisconsin taxpayers will be on the hook for $518 million that we have to give directly to Foxconn if they fulfill their end of the bargain. That's $518 million that isn't going to schools.... Isn't going to roads and isn't going to our infrastructure,” said Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point.

A new reaction poll released by Marquette University this week showed that 62 percent of Wisconsin residents are concerned that this investment is dangerous to Wisconsin's economy and the environment.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for June 28 in Mount Pleasant.