RIPP BUDGET MOTION TO FUND MACKENZIE CENTER PASSES

The Joint Finance Committee Approves Ripp Motion to fund MacKenzie Center

 

Madison- A budget motion reinstating 2014 funding for the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center passed the Joint Finance Committee on a 16-0 vote last Wednesday afternoon. Rep. Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) requested the motion that would restore funding to the Center for one year, making the environmental education programs available to school groups and visitors until the summer of 2014 while the DNR and relevant parties continue to investigate a funding solution.

 

“I requested this motion because I think it is really important that we continue to provide this environmental education, not just for kids who rely on it in my district, but for those all around the state,” Ripp said. “My motion is by no means a permanent fix to the long term problem with funding for the MacKenzie Center. If we are going to continue to offer this programming, all parties will need to sit down and hammer out a solution. This motion for one year of restored funding will allow those parties to do that.”

 

Earlier this year, the DNR terminated its current contract for educational programming and put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) searching for a bidder that could offer the programming at a more affordable rate. Since the RFP went out in March, no bids have been submitted.

 

“With the bidding uncertainty, I was concerned about what that would mean for the MacKenzie Center after the current contract ends in August,” Ripp said. “I’m thrilled the Joint Finance Committee was able to recognize the importance of this funding and significance of the environmental education provided.”

 

The MacKenzie Center is a 250-acre property located near rural Poynette, Wisconsin in Columbia County. The grounds include a wildlife exhibit, self-guided nature trails, museums, picnic areas, and lodge and dormitories.