Governor Doyle Announces $400,000 Brownfields Grant

For Immediate Release: June 6, 2007
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

Project to create 55 jobs

MILWAUKEE - Governor Jim Doyle today announced that River Corner LLC, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, has received a $400,000 Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment (BEBR) grant for environmental remediation and redevelopment expenses. Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Mary P. Burke made the announcement on behalf of the Governor at a press conference held June 6 at the company's offices in Milwaukee.

"Cleaning up brownfields is about more than just renewing damaged or vacant land," Governor Doyle said. "It's about renewing the pride of a community, and restoring jobs and productivity. I'm pleased that we could help River Corner LLC redevelop this site."

"We are very excited about the opportunity to continue our mission of improving the neighborhoods surrounding our business," said Dan Druml, president of River Corner LLC. "We appreciate the participation and support of the Commerce Department to cleaning up this unsightly facility viewed by so many passing through our city".

River Corner LLC will implement a 3.3-acre commercial rehabilitation and new construction redevelopment. Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling and other industry-related businesses will occupy portions of the new 40,000-sq.-ft. building that will provide office, shop and warehouse space. A rehabilitated 28,000-sq.-ft. building will be the national corporate headquarters for Paul Davis National, Inc. The project will create 55 full-time jobs over a five-year period. Total investment will be $4.4 million.

Commerce's BEBR Program provides grant funds to municipalities, local development corporations, and the private sector to support assessment, remediation and return of contaminated lands to productive use. Brownfields are abandoned, idle, or underused industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination. For more information about the Brownfields Program, contact Jason Scott, Commerce, at 608/261-7714.

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