Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative

Frequently Asked Questions

A: The Department of Commerce should serve as your first point of contact for general questions. We will help you get started on your project and assist you in working with other state agencies.  Depending on the scope of your project, several state agency liaisons may want to meet with you to discuss the project in greater detail.

A: Yes.  If the community does not currently have a plan, the Department of Commerce will help identify potential sources of funding to support the preparation of a plan.  Eligible communities should expect to cost share in underwriting the expenses of a waterfront redevelopment plan.

A: Probably not.  A waterfront redevelopment project must be consistent with the community’s overall community and economic development strategy.  A developer’s plan is likely to focus on one site whereas a plan done by the community is likely to encompass all waterfront areas.

A: Yes, there are various state and federal programs that help cover the expenses of these kinds of activities.  The Resource Guide provides further information about several of these sources.  The Commerce liaison may also be contacted for further assistance in identifying potential funding sources.

A: A good waterfront redevelopment project will likely contain mix-used development, put underutilized parcels back into productive use, include taxable real estate components, complement an adjacent business district, and offer access and services to the general public.

A: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) requires a permit for any alteration of a public waterway or shoreline.  Dredging (removing materials such as muck, sand, or gravel), grading the bank of a waterway, and construction of piers or marinas are some of the more common waterfront activities that would require a permit.  More detailed information on these permits is available from WDNR in the "Links" portion of this website.

A: Although open space and recreational development is a natural reuse of a waterfront, mix-used redevelopment is more likely to help stabilize if not expand the local economy.  However, the development of a recreational trail along the waterfront that helps to bring tourists into a community may be a key component to revitalizing the local economy.

A: Ideally, yes.  While the commitment of a developer to help redevelop a waterfront does not guarantee success, it is an indicator that redevelopment is likely to take place in the near future.  However, getting a commitment may be difficult if the community lacks sufficient resources to commit to the project.  The Waterfront Development Program wants to know of situations where there is interest from a developer and where state technical and financial assistance may play a role in getting the developer to make a firm commitment.

A: Commerce and other participating agencies do not approve or disapprove of local waterfront redevelopment plans.  However, Commerce and other participating state agencies will verify that the plan is consistent with the community’s overall comprehensive and/or Smart Growth plan and that the proposed redevelopment is consistent with the objectives of the program before awarding any funds. 

A: Your completed plan should be submitted to Commerce.  Commerce will initiate a collaborative review of the plan with other state agencies participating in the Governor's Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative to help identify potential resources that can assist in the implementation of the plan.  Communities that have already completed a waterfront redevelopment plan are also encouraged to submit their plans for a collaborative review.

A: Commerce and the participating agencies will work with you or your consultant to identify a strategy for accessing funding and technical resources.  Potential funding and technical resources will likely have different application procedures and cycles.  Agency Liaisons will help in coordinating the steps involved to access these resources in a manner that will keep your project moving forward.

A: Funding for waterfront redevelopment will be available from a variety of existing programs; however, a specific funding level has not been established.  When funding for a project is requested, the participating state agencies will take into consideration the amount of local financial participation, both public and private, and the amount of other state and federal dollars already committed to the project.  Successful redevelopment projects typically have substantial local investment.  State and Federal funding usually fill the gaps.

A: No.  These expenses are expected to be covered at the local level.  Investing in preliminary expenses, such as architectural drawings and models verifies that the local government and participating businesses are serious about redeveloping its waterfront.

A: Yes.  It is expected that a waterfront redevelopment program will be done in stages due to costs and market forces.

A: That is a decision made at the local level.  Writing an application for a Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative planning grant can certainly be done by local staff.  Plan implementation is a more consuming and complex process and local officials may want to retain the services of a consultant to help them with project coordination, pursuing grants and loans for the project, and coordinating the involvement of the participants in the project.