BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A long-discussed bridge across the Fox River in southern Brown County is one step closer to reality.
State Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Green Bay, who is on the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee, says the committee has included funding for the project in its 2023-25 budget proposal.
Wimberger says the committee’s proposal includes $50 million for the project. That is the amount Brown County leaders and the state Department of Transportation were requesting.
Federal officials have committed $5 million and the county says it will contribute $10-20 million.
The bridge is proposed to connect Red Maple and Rockland roads, about 2.5 miles south of the Claude Allouez Bridge in downtown De Pere.
Meanwhile, Wimberger says the Joint Finance Committee has also included $1.2 million in its proposal for repairs to the Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge.
The bridge in downtown Green Bay carries Dousman and Main streets across the Fox River. During a February visit to Green Bay, Gov. Tony Evers said repairs are needed to make sure the bridge remains safe and accessible for travelers.
Once the Joint Finance Committee finalizes its budget proposal, it will be forwarded to the full Legislature. Both the Senate and Assembly must pass identical versions of the budget before sending it to Evers for his signature.
