Camp Randall Sports Center, Regional Forensics Science Center in Wausau, other projects funded.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced on Wednesday the Wisconsin State Building Commission has approved a total of approximately $370 million in key projects across the state.

“These projects will not only upgrade and build state-of-the-art facilities across Wisconsin, but they will support our critical state agencies, universities, and technical colleges and stimulate both our local and state economies,” said Gov. Evers. “Whether it’s upgrading historic venues like Camp Randall, modernizing educational facilities for our future generations, or making sure our state parks have the resources and support they need to succeed, this funding is necessary to continue building the economy and infrastructure of tomorrow.” 

Highlights of the Commission’s approved projects include:

• Construction of the Camp Randall Sports Center Replacement project, alongside the demolition of the McClain Athletic Facility at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison. This transformative project will use a Design/Build delivery method to pave the way for a new indoor football practice facility. The replacement facility is designed to optimize existing space, bolster the campus’ capacity for national recruitment, and uphold competitiveness among peer institutions while maintaining essential support for student athletes.
• Construction of a Regional Forensics Science Center on the Northcentral Technical College campus in Wausau. This facility will provide crucial training and continuing education opportunities to a wide array of professionals, including coroners, medical examiners, law enforcement personnel, district attorney offices, and emergency medical and health services providers across the North Central Region of Wisconsin.
• Authorization for the implementation of the Construction Manager (CM) alternative delivery method for the renovation and expansion project at the UW-Madison Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory (WVDL)-Barron County. As a pivotal institution promoting animal and human health, as well as the vitality of the state and national agricultural economy, the WVDL delivers top-tier veterinary diagnostics. This new scientific facility will help address the biosafety level (BSL) laboratory needs and the increased demand encountered by the WVDL in recent years. By adopting the CM alternative delivery method, the project gains essential construction expertise during the design phase, which is crucial for the successful execution of a technically intricate and bio-safe laboratory facility situated in a remote area.
• Construction of a new Public Entrance Visitor Station at Potawatomi State Park that is imperative to offer improved services to the approximately 240,000 annual visitors of the park.
• The release of Stewardship Property Development funds for Friends Group grants for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that will be utilized for nonprofit conservation organizations.
• Approval of a Hangar Door Replacement project at the Army Aviation Support Facility 2 in Madison. This project is a continuation of a series of similar projects at this facility that will also address important mechanical, electrical, fire suppression, and utility elements.
• Minor renovations and repairs at Birge Hall, Brogden Hall, and the Integrative Biological Research Building as part of the Minor Facilities Renewal Program that will assist the College of Letters and Science at UW-Madison.
• Renovation to the Health Science Laboratory by adding a new laboratory suite and program space as part of the Instructional Space and Technology Projects Programs that will assist the Physician Assistant Master’s Degree program at UW-Parkside.
• Authorizing nine facility maintenance and repair projects across various state agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, DNR, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Historical Society, and the UW System.

The State Building Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and comprised of the following members:

• State Sen. Brad Pfaff;
• State Sen. Joan Ballweg;
• State Sen. André Jacque;
• State Rep. Jill Billings;
• State Rep. Rob Swearingen;
• State Rep. Robert Wittke; and
• Citizen Member Barb Worcester.