FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 4, 2019

Contact: Senator Robert Cowles: (608) 266-0484

Redevelopment in Green Bay Area Get a Boost from the State 

GREEN BAY– Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) released the following statement after two state grants were awarded to the Villages of Ashwaubenon and Allouez to help promote the redevelopment of blighted properties in these communities: 

“When developers are looking for prime parcels for their next projects, they often are left with only two options: look beyond city limits or look within the community at properties that have seen better days. These run-down and under-used parcels can often present unique opportunities including more desirable locations, but these properties also come with distinct challenges. To unlock the full potential of redevelopment within our communities, partnerships with local governments and the state are not only helpful, but often may be necessary.” 

Ashwaubenon was awarded $476,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Idle Sites Redevelopment Program to assist with the expense of site preparation at a blighted parcel located on South Broadway. Senator Cowles wrote a letter earlier this year in support of this project.

Allouez was awarded approximately $29,900 from the Department of Natural Resources’ Wisconsin Assessment Monies grant program to assist with the expense of studies to identify and determine the extent of any soil and groundwater contamination at a site located on South Webster. Senator Cowles has been and continues to be supportive of the redevelopment efforts along Webster in the Village.

“By redeveloping underutilized parcels with the help provided by these competitive state grant programs, we can grow property values, provide new employment opportunities, create new sources of property taxes that may offset some of the burden on residential property owners, develop new amenities for community members, and spur additional economic development. I applaud the leadership of the local governments in Ashwaubenon and Allouez in reaffirming their commitment to advancing their communities and the entire region by utilizing these high-value, yet blighted parcels.”

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