FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 5, 2021

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

Applauds Brown County’s Riverfront Leadership

GREEN BAY– Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) released the following statement after Brown County announced their agreement to purchase the Wisconsin Public Service’s Pulliam Plant site at the mouth of the Fox River for the future development of a multimodal port: 

“Today’s announcement of the purchase of the well-known Pulliam Plant site is just one action, but it could be a significant milestone for the economic and aesthetic future of our region. While the greater Green Bay area has already developed and utilized much of its waterfront to be an asset, regardless of whether it’s industrial, commercial or residential parcels, a few eye sores leaving opportunities for improvement remain, including the shuttered Pulliam Plant and the coal piles at the C. Reiss parcel further up river.

“Now Brown County can begin the work necessary to convert this underutilized parcel into a multimodal shipping destination which is the perfect spot for the relocation of the coal piles. Leaving the potential to free-up an important city-center parcel where the coal piles currently lay, directing more freight traffic to the mouth of the river which may allow for more freighters and help to prevent some disturbances to traffic over draw-bridges, and creating more opportunities to get goods in and out of the region will help to create new and exciting opportunities for our region’s businesses and broader economy.

“Last session, I worked to help fund this project through 2019 Senate Bill 295, but unfortunately that bill failed to pass as the last session day was cancelled due to COVID-19. While we were unable to get this bill across the finish line, thanks to the work and shared commitment of Brian Johnson, Eric Genrich, Troy Streckenbach, Dean Haen, and others in local, county and state government, they were able to progress without waiting for the reintroduction or passage of a legislative effort. I applaud their initiative and innovative thinking, and look forward to seeing what they’re able to do next along the Fox River.”

The purchase of the Pulliam Plant property is being bolstered by the state through a $500,000 Isle Sites Redevelopment grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. This award was announced yesterday by Governor Evers and WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes.

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