Press Release: DOA Secretary Blumenfeld Celebrates Public Infrastructure Awards with Visit to Village of West Baraboo

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary

DOA Secretary Blumenfeld Celebrates Public Infrastructure Awards with Visit to Village of West Baraboo

$1 Million Grant Will Help Fund Future Road, Water, and Accessibility Improvements

West Baraboo, Wis. – On Thursday, October 5, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, joined by West Baraboo Village President Mike Arndt, presented a $1 million award to the Village as part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public facilities funds recently announced by Governor Evers. 

The event, held at the recently unveiled West Baraboo Village Forest Park, highlighted public infrastructure investment for 21 Wisconsin municipalities. The award for the Village of West Baraboo will go towards street, water, and lighting improvements on Highway 33/Linn Street. The city plans to replace a water main system that is over 50 years old, as well as fix sidewalks, ensure ADA compliance, and improve lighting.

“This program supports the kinds of public works projects that are the very foundation of a community,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “The improvements we’re celebrating today will not only ensure that the basic needs of residents are being met, but also provide family-sustaining jobs and opportunities to invest in the future of this community.” 

First row, from left: Nicole Kruschel of MSA Professional Services, Village of West Baraboo Trustee Jim Allen, Clerk/Treasurer Traci Stanford, Village President Mike Arndt, DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, and Director of Public Works William Clary.
Second row, from left: Marcus Rue of MSA Professional Services, Trustee Jim Bowers, David Pawlisch, deputy division administrator at DOA’s Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources, and Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director George Althoff.

“The one-million-dollar funding is a step forward in protecting the businesses and families of West Baraboo,” said William Clary, Director of Public Works for the Village of West Baraboo. “The safe drinking water will give people reassurance that they are protected from lead and other harmful minerals. Sidewalk and road improvements will be brought up to code and less accidents will occur with the sidewalks being ADA compliant. This allows for residents to patronize area businesses easier. The CDBG funding is a great benefit to our beautiful community.”

The infrastructure improvements on Highway 33 are expected to be completed next year. In the meantime, residents are able to enjoy the West Baraboo Village Forest Park, which was completed with funding from the CDBG-CV program and opened to the public just last month.

The Community Development Block Grant program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.