State Building Commission Approves $124 Million in Key Projects Print
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Written by GOV Press Wisconsin   
Thursday, 21 October 2021 16:49

pinewood-trestlebridgeHighlights include the Pinewood trestle bridge on the Bearskin Trail in Oneida County, seven facilities on the UW-Madison campus, and 25 other maintenance and repair projects across the state.


MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today that the Wisconsin State Building Commission approved approximately $124 million in key building projects across the state, including many projects that focus on safety improvements and deferred maintenance projects. 

tony-evers“From updating elevators to fire doors, to approving two state grants to help expand psychiatric and behavioral health services in 29 counties, the projects approved by the Commission today are critical for the health and safety of our state employees, students, and Wisconsinites across the state,” said Gov. Evers. “I am glad this bipartisan commission moved forward on these important projects as we work to bolster our state infrastructure.”  

Highlights of projects approved, include:

  • Replacing the Pinewood trestle bridge on the Bearskin Trail in Oneida County. The current 50-foot-long bridge was deemed structurally unsafe, the replacement bridge will accommodate snow grooming equipment and snowmobile activity;
  • Elevating modernization in seven facilities on the UW-Madison campus. The current elevators range in age from 45 to 56 years old and do not meet today’s accessibility standards;
  • Elevating modernization in 15 elevators at various downtown Madison DOA buildings. The current elevators are 40 years old;
  • Replacing the fire doors in Greenquist Hall on the UW-Parkside campus. The current fire doors are original to the classroom building constructed in 1969;
  • Replacing a DMA fuel storage tank that provides service to the Madison Aviation Armory. The current tank has exceeded its 30-year life expectancy;
  • Constructing a New Facility Maintenance Building for the Department of Military Affairs at Chippewa Falls;
  • Aiding in the expansion of psychiatric and behavioral health services in Eau Claire and Marathon County with two state grants. Once complete, these grants will help to expand services for residents in 29 counties;
  • Constructing projects on the UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stout campuses. In Oshkosh, Clow Hall, home to the nursing and education programs, will be fully renovated to modernize the classroom and lab space throughout the facility. In Stout, the South Hall student residence facility will be renovated into a modern facility with improved accessibility;
  • Constructing infrastructure renovation/replacement projects for UW-Madison and UW-Stout as part of the Minor Facilities Renewal Program;
  • Releasing Building Trust Funds to begin planning for a Secure Residential Treatment Unit and Diversion Unit at Oshkosh Correctional Institution, Phase III for the DMA Milwaukee Readiness Center, and a replacement Toilet/Shower Building at Council Grounds State Park; and
  • Authorizing 25 maintenance and repair projects located at various locations in eight counties across the state for the Departments of Administration, Health Services, Military Affairs, Natural Resources, Veterans Affairs, and the UW-System.

The Building Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and made up of the following members:

  • State Senator Janis Ringhand;
  • State Senator Jerry Petrowski;
  • State Senator André Jacque;
  • State Representative Jill Billings;
  • State Representative Rob Swearingen;
  • State Representative Robert Wittke; and
  • Citizen member, Summer Strand.