Press Release: DOA Secretary Blumenfeld Highlights Public Access and Coastal Improvements with Port Washington Visit

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary

DOA Secretary Blumenfeld Highlights Public Access and Coastal Improvements with Port Washington Visit

Port Washington, Wis. – Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld today formally awarded a $40,000 coastal grant to the City of Port Washington, as part of a series of visits to highlight Coastal Management Program grants and tourism investments. The awards were part of an overall $1.4 million investment previously announced by Governor Tony Evers through the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP). 

Blumenfeld was joined by by City of Port Washington Administrator Tony Brown and a Department of Tourism representative, as well as local leaders and stakeholders during a visit to Upper Lake Park, the Light Station & Museum, Heart of the Harbor Plaza, Rotary Park, and a discussion of ongoing coastal projects and tourism related investments. The Secretary made stops at several of Port Washington’s public destination areas that were improved with state funds. The Coastal Management Program alone has invested over $150,000 for City of Port Washington projects during the last five years.

(L-R: Lydia Salus, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program; Anthony Brown, Port Washington City Administrator; DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld; Rob Vanden Noven, Port Washington Director of Public Works; Bob Harris, Port Washington Director of Planning & Zoning; and David Spiegelberg, Tourism Development Specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism) 

“The Coastal Management Program has been supporting key projects in our coastal communities for many years, and the City of Port Washington has been an incredible partner in our effort to support coastal resilience, public access, and sustainability,” said Secretary Blumenfeld. “We hope to see many more applications from communities and organizations pursuing coastal protection efforts over the next few weeks.”

“The City of Port Washington is extremely appreciative of its relationship with the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and its investment in our lakefront parks, lighthouses, museums, and public spaces,” said Robert Vanden Noven, the City of Port Washington public works director. “We look forward to our continued partnership as we continue to improve our lakefront amenities."

The Port Washington Historical Society had also previously received a Tourism Capital Grant award to build a shelter for a shipwreck artifact displayed outside the Light Station museum.

“The Tourism Capital Grant funding provided the Port Washington Historical Society with the opportunity to not only create a new educational exhibit, but the potential for a positive economic impact through an increase in heritage tourism,” added Dawn St. George, Port Washington Historical Society executive director.

Originally announced by Governor Evers in August 2021, the Tourism Capital Grant Program, funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act, provided awards to 26 local governments and organizations to build, expand, or maintain buildings, travel-related infrastructure, or public attractions. Visit BadgerBounceback.wi.gov to view the latest data and success stories about how COVID-relief investments are making a difference across the state.

Coastal Grant applications for the 2024-25 season are currently open, with approximately $1.6 million in grant funding available. Proposals are sought to address needs and priorities for public access, historic preservation, Great Lakes education, community development, wetland protection, habitat restoration, or pollution control. Applications are due November 3, 2023, with additional information available on the WCMP website at http://coastal.wisconsin.gov/.