GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Capital improvement projects across the state are on the minds of many lawmakers, especially after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers proposed spending $3.8 billion on building projects across the state.
Evers traveled to Green Bay Tuesday and touched on capital projects that will take place around the state and specifically in Northeast Wisconsin at the National Railroad Museum.
“We’re happy, as part of our budget, to put $7 million in that budget for the expansion for this facility,” said Evers.
Some lawmakers, including State Rep. David Steffen, R-4th District, feel as though the Green Bay Correctional Institution should have been on the list.
“It is unfortunate that the governor has once again turned a blind eye to the problems of the Green Bay Correctional institute. We have to provide a safe place for our employees to work and for those inmates to live.”
But State Rep. Kristina Shelton, D-90th District, says the project isn’t ready for the budget.
“I’m proud to be part of that conversation, but I don’t think we are there yet from a capital budget standpoint.”
Evers says he already has plans in place for the prison.
“At the end of the day, we’re moving people out of part of the prison system and in central Wisconsin, moving those juveniles down to Milwaukee. The timing isn’t right to take on that issue.”
Bigger items that did make the list include the University of Wisconsin System, the State Capitol and the National Guard.
Some lawmakers felt that they should have had this list prior to its public release.
“Even as a building commissioner member, I only got to see the list of projects after noon here when he released it,” said State Rep. André Jacque, R-1st District. “So, when it got out to the public was as quick as I saw it.”
Others feel Evers worked well with lawmakers.
“You know, the governor is excellent in working with each of us in the legislature to help us identify key projects and priorities, and that’s reflected on this budget,” said Shelton.
The proposal will first go to the state building commission on March 23 for consideration but will need approval by the Republican-controlled legislature.
Click here for Evers’ full recommendation report.
