FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 1, 2021

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

Economic Development Assistance for Green Bay Moves Ahead in Cowles’ Senate Committee

MADISON– Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) released the following statement after 2021 Senate Bill 406 and Assembly Bill 389, authored by Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay) and Representative Dave Steffen (R-Green Bay), passed Cowles’ Committee on Natural Resources and Energy during today’s Executive Session: 

“The lower Fox River and bay of Green Bay were key elements in the settling of Northeast Wisconsin centuries ago and continue to be crucial in driving commerce in our area through today. After decades of remediation efforts and the more recent revitalization of the downtown riverfront, business along the shore is booming. Senate Bill 406 and Assembly Bill 389 should help to launch tens of millions in remediation and redevelopment efforts that will create more local business opportunities and housing. I was glad to support this effort as it left committee, and hope to see it advance through the full Senate soon.”

Senate Bill 406 and Assembly Bill 389 would provide $5 million in grants to the City of Green Bay and Brown County for the purposes of relocating the coal piles on the C. Reiss Coal Company’s parcel south of the Donald Tillman Bridge (Mason Street) to the mouth of the Fox River at the old Pulliam Plant, which is now owned by Brown County, and revitalize the neighborhood from which the coal piles were located. The grants, which would be split evenly between the City and County, would come from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

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