Green Bay Reporter

Gov. Tony Evers announced on June 28 that over $1.4 million in grant funding will go to improve ecology and water quality in the Great Lakes region including the construction of a bike and pedestrian bridge with a fishing spot to connect the end of the Ashwaubomay River Trail south across Ashwaubenon Creek to Ashwaubomay Park.

A report in Wearegreenbay.com said the project is one of 40 ecological upgrades to be accomplished across the state of Wisconsin.

“Congratulations to Ashwaubenon on receiving a $100,000 Coastal Grant to help build a bridge on the Ashwaubomay River Trail,” Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) said in a tweet. “Also, congrats to the other grant recipients for local projects.”

The federally funded grants are administered by the Wisconsin Dept. of Administration (DOA) in a partnership with the Wisconsin Coastal Management Council (WCMC).

Recipients of the money include local, state and tribal governments, planning commissions, universities and nonprofits, the report said.   

Counties receiving the money in addition to Ashwaubenon include Brown, Door and Kewaunee counties.

The Mishicot School District and the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh will also receive grant funding.

Grant money will be used for a variety of projects statewide including science and policy studies on coastal Great Lakes communities, ecologic education, developing managing practices for ecology-sensitive areas, water quality and flooding issues.

A list of the amount of the grant awards and specific projects is available at the Dept. of Administration web page.

Evers said protecting the quality of the Great Lakes is a No. 1 priority.

“Wisconsin’s Great Lakes are critical to our state’s economy and heritage,” he said. “Both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior provide our residents with drinking water, commerce and fun. From Bayfield to Sheboygan and Milwaukee to Kenosha, our Great Lakes help make Wisconsin an undeniably beautiful destination for residents and tourists.”