Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

In August, 2007, Governor Doyle announced the Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative as part of a greater economic development plan for Northern Wisconsin and for the state as a whole. Under the initiative, communities can go to one spot to marshal resources from the entire state to develop waterfronts. Through the creation of a one-stop shop, local communities will have streamlined access to the information they need to successfully develop their waterfronts and, in turn, revitalize their local economies.

"Wisconsin's rivers, lakes and streams are among our greatest assets. Revitalizing our waterfronts helps build strong local economies by attracting new business, raising land values and drawing locals and tourists to a community. The Wisconsin Waterfront initiative will help communities protect and develop their waterfronts so they can be enjoyed by all for many years to come." - Governor Doyle

Governor Doyle called on the Department of Commerce to be the guiding force for communities, channeling the resources of multiple state agencies, including: the Department of Tourism, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Administration, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. The information contained on this website reflects the joint efforts of these participating agencies.

Planning Grant Program For the Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative
To assist in the implementation of Governor Jim Doyle's Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative Program, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce is amending its Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] Planning program to assist communities in writing a plan for the revitalization of their waterfronts. A well thought out Waterfront Redevelopment Plan is critical to the successful implementation of the project. The waterfront development plans that are produced will be made available to members of the review committee as well as with agencies having other potential funding sources, thereby providing program participants the benefit of a joint review of their plan. The joint review will provide a comprehensive state agency response designed to help the WWI participant develop a coordinated strategy in implementing its proposed redevelopment. Eligible applicants for Waterfront Planning Grants are limited to local units of government that will provide a cash match of at least 25 percent of the entire cost of the plan. Applications were due May 15, 2008. For further information, contact the Commerce Waterfront Liaison at COMMERCEWWI@wisconsin.gov