PRAIRIE DU CHIEN- Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that the City of Prairie du Chien, Crawford County, has received a $1.5-million comprehensive community development grant from the Department of Commerce (Commerce). Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke presented the award on behalf of the Governor in Prairie du Chien on March 16.

"My Grow Wisconsin plan calls for helping communities invest in infrastructure and revitalize their downtowns," Governor Doyle said.  "This grant will help Prairie du Chien undertake comprehensive, carefully planned development over the long term."

"This grant award is a vote of confidence in the vision, hard work, and professionalism of the citizens of Prairie du Chien, said Prairie du Chien Mayor Cheryl Mader. “We look forward to working with the State of Wisconsin in making this comprehensive vision a reality." 
 
The city will use the grant to implement the first phase of a comprehensive development plan that includes:

• commercial redevelopment of an entire block located at the gateway to the downtown at the intersection of Blackhawk Ave. and Marquette Rd.,
• development of a new industrial park,
• establishment of a downtown Revolving Loan Fund and
• the implementation of a housing needs assessment. 

Under its comprehensive community development pilot program, Commerce intends to offer long-term commitments in support of a series of related projects that address a community's economic, community and affordable housing development priorities.  Communities seeking additional information should contact Jim O'Keefe, Commerce, at 608/264-7837.

-- Tony Hozeny

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Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.