The Sconi

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the Wisconsin State Building Commission approved a total of approximately $388.7 million in key projects located across the state.

“The projects approved today by the Commission will not only support jobs, bolster our economy, and improve the quality of life here in Wisconsin, they will help our state grow and build for the 21st Century,” said Gov. Evers. “I am also glad to see the approval of funding for the construction of a new facility for the Wisconsin History Center on the Capitol Square, which will help ensure this important Wisconsin institution remains a hub of statewide history, education, and outreach for future generations.”

Highlights of the Commission’s approved projects include:

•    Construction of security improvements at Taycheedah Correctional Institution to bring the facility up to current security standards for maximum-security institutions. 

•    Renovation and construction of an expanded Patient Admissions Area within Sherman Hall at Winnebago Mental Health Institute, providing separate and secure admission spaces for incoming patients and additional bed space, advanced medical facilities, and dedicated program rooms, enhancing the overall quality of care and facilities.  

•    Construction of a new Motor Vehicle Storage Building at the Waupaca Readiness Center to better protect military vehicles that support the Wisconsin Army National Guard. 

•    The release of Building Trust Funds to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to plan and design toilet/shower building repairs at Pattison State Park, as well as replace two fire response ranger stations, and to the Department of Public Instruction for a new student dormitory at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 

•    Construction of a Centralized Field Equipment Facility at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area that will protect the DNR’s field equipment housed at this facility that is used by multiple area programs. 

•    The replacement of multiple campground toilet/shower buildings and vault toilet facilities at Lake Wissota State Park to provide enhanced accessibility and safety for park campers. Additionally, similar renovations at campgrounds within Peninsula State Park to underscore the state’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for visitors. 

•    The construction of a combined heated and unheated Fishery and Water Quality Field Operations Facility in DNR’s South-Central region that will equip the fisheries staff with the necessary tools to maintain equipment effectively, streamline operations, and enhance safety protocols.  

•    The construction of a versatile field support building at the DNR’s Dodgeville Service Center. This facility, designed to accommodate multiple bureaus, will serve as a hub for essential functions such as equipment and evidence processing, disinfection stations, and storage.  

•    The expansion of the Administration Building at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. This project aims to create suitable office spaces, private family meeting rooms, and implement other essential site enhancements. These upgrades signify a substantial improvement initiative, as they are not only a testament to the state’s commitment to honoring veterans but also ensure the provision of dignified services and support to their families during their time of need. 

•    Construction of the Wisconsin History Museum on the Capitol Square. This new facility will support the Wisconsin Historical Society’s statewide educational and partnership mission. It will house exhibits and programs, collaborating with various institutions and groups across the state, thus enriching public understanding of Wisconsin’s history and culture. 

•    The release of grant funds to support the construction of a Food and Farm Exploration Center in Plover that was recently enumerated in 2023 Wisconsin Act 19 for the Farming for the Future Foundation Inc. This two-story center will host agricultural exhibit galleries tailored for all age groups. It will include a kitchen/food demonstration lab, café, maker space, greenhouse, and a farm technology shed showcasing the latest advancements in agricultural equipment. Additionally, the center will provide versatile event spaces, fostering education and innovation within the community. 

•    Construction of a 550-stall parking ramp and addition to the existing police services building at University of Wisconsin (UW)-La Crosse’s Center for the Arts that will better serve students and staff. 

•    Construction of two projects at UW-Madison that will provide exterior envelope repairs, as well as renovation to the fire suppression system as part of the Minor Facilities Renewal Program. 

•    Authorizing 27 essential maintenance and repair projects for the departments of Administration, Corrections, Health Services, Military Affairs, Natural Resources, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, State Fair Park, Wisconsin Historical Society, and the UW System, located in various locations in 15 counties across the state.  

•    The release of approximately $54 million in design funds to prepare preliminary plans and specifications for a large volume of construction projects included in the 2023-25 Capital Budget for state agencies and the UW System.

The Building Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and made up of the following members: 

•    State Senator Robert Wirch; 

•    State Senator Joan Ballweg;

•    State Senator André Jacque;

•    State Representative Jill Billings; 

•    State Representative Rob Swearingen;

•    State Representative Robert Wittke; and

•    Citizen Member Barb Worcester. 

An online version of this release is available here.

Original source can be found here.