PRESS RELEASE: State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski Highlights BCPL Infrastructure Investments

MADISON, Wis. — Today, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski announced that the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) has provided almost $150 million in financing for over 230 infrastructure projects since Godlewski became chair in January 2019. From roadwork to bridge repairs to the removal of lead water laterals, this financing has been critical for projects across 61 counties. 

“It’s been a priority to partner with communities across the state to ensure they have the resources to address critical infrastructure needs. From Wood River to Mosinee, we’ve helped communities have safe roads or expand broadband,” said Treasurer Sarah Godlewski. “Our office and the BCPL will continue to partner with municipalities and school districts to make these important projects a reality.”

Since 2019, the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) has supported:

• $38,254,224 for roadwork, sidewalks, and street improvements
• $1,363,500 for bridge repairs and replacement
• $1,060,200 for flood recovery
• $6,750,000 to finance the construction of a public safety building in the Town of Greenville
• $5,000,000 to the Town of Delavan for financing for the construction of a fire station
• $878,000 to finance the construction of a town hall and truck shop in the Town of Wood River 

The BCPL State Trust Fund Loan Program plays an important role in economic development and local infrastructure projects in Wisconsin by providing competitive financing to municipalities, school districts, and more. This program has been a priority for Treasurer Godlewski, and in 2022, over $20 million for 25 community infrastructure projects has been approved. In April, the Town of Knowlton was approved for $3 million to finance the reconstruction of Old Highway 51. And the City of Mosinee was approved for $210,000 to fund lead water line replacement.

Background

The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) is responsible for four trust funds worth over $1.4 billion. This includes the Common School Fund, which makes annual distributions that fund books and technology for every school district in the state. As part of her role as Board Chair, the State Treasurer has prioritized community investments and has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into the investment policy. Under Godlewski’s leadership, the funds have produced record-breaking distributions to public schools. To learn more, visit bcpl.wisconsin.gov and to learn more about the State Trust Fund Loan Program application process, visit the website here.