Governor Announces $75,000 Brownfield Grant to Gestra Engineering, Inc.

For Immediate Release: July 10, 2007
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Gestra Engineering Inc., Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, will receive a Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment (BEBR) grant of $75,000 to help redevelop an existing building for new offices.

"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. Gestra Engineering is a great Wisconsin company, moving our economy forward, and providing good, family-supporting jobs for our citizens."

Gestra Engineering Inc. provides geotechnical, structural, pavement, and construction materials for engineering services. Gestra Engineering Inc. is relocating its offices from Oak Creek to Milwaukee. The redevelopment requires the removal of contaminated soil. The project will create eight jobs. Total project cost is $345,000.

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.

-30-