Prairie du Chien receives $1.4 million federal grant
Joel Frushone of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Prairie du Chien Mayor Dave Hemmer, Anthony Foti (a senior U.S. Department of Commerce official), State Representative Loren Oldenburg and Dan Moris of Creative Media get together following the presentation. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)
By Ted Pennekamp
A brief ceremony announcing a $1.4 million federal grant to be given to the city of Prairie du Chien was held at City Hall the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 23.
Former local radio personality Dan Moris, who owns Dan Moris Creative Media of Prairie du Chien, introduced the various federal and local officials who helped the city to obtain the grant, which involves 80 percent federal funding along with 20 percent from the city in matching funds.
The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant will allow the city to make stormwater infrastructure improvements at the North Gateway Business Park, which is located in a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone. The grant will be matched by $357,269 in local funds and is expected to create more than 50 jobs, retain 241 jobs, and generate $3.1 million in private investment.
Heavy rain and a flash flood in 2014 caused damage at the North Gateway Business Park and other parts of Prairie du Chien. Moris said the grant will improve stormwater management in the city and safety for businesses and residents.
Joel Frushone of the EDA noted that the grant for Prairie du Chien is for one of Wisconsin’s 120 Opportunity Zones that were created as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed by President Trump in 2017. Frushone then introduced Anthony Foti, assistant secretary for legislative and intergovernmental affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce.
“Opportunity Zones are spurring economic development in economically-distressed communities nationwide,” said Foti. “There are more than 500 Opportunity Zones and the EDA has invested $750 million nationwide since 2018 in order to prepare for and recover from natural disasters.”
“Flooding has an impact upon the economy and this $1.4 million will help city businesses in Gateway Business Park,” Foti continued as he praised the city’s commitment towards contributing 20 percent in matching funds. “Opportunity Zones can be transformable.”
“I would like to thank the Department of Commerce,” said Prairie du Chien Mayor Dave Hemmer. “This will greatly help our infrastructure and flooding issues.” In addition to the North Gateway Business Park, Hemmer said the grant will help to improve drainage and other conditions at Godden’s Pit as well as stormwater work to be done on Taylor Street.
Hemmer also praised City Administrator Chad Abram, City Planner Garth Frable, and engineering firm Vierbicher Associates for their roles in helping to obtain the grant. Hemmer also thanked State Representative Loren Oldenburg of the 96th Assembly District.
Oldenburg congratulated Hemmer, Abram and the city of Prairie du Chien for their efforts to continue the growth and economic development of the city.
