News

State Street secures Federal funding

The State Street redevelopment project gained federal monetary support recently, as Wisconsin politicians pushed for increased funding to revamp the 300 and 400 blocks in the spring of 2006.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., secured $1 million in federal funds to aid the next step in the project, according to a release.

Since the beginning of the redevelopment efforts in 2004, $3 million has come from federal funds.

Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, who is a member of the State Street Redevelopment Oversight Committee, said the reconstruction of State Street probably would have taken place with or without additional federal funding because it is in such bad shape.

"The current State Street design is outdated and in need of some tender loving care," Verveer said.

However, with the federal funding, he said the project will move along much quicker and will save local taxpayers thousands of dollars. City funding now can be channeled towards other important projects besides the State Street redevelopment, Verveer added.

The State Street Strategic Plan will continue in 2007, and the City of Madison will look for more federal funding to continue the project in a timely fashion. Verveer said maintaining federal funding for the project will allow the 500 and 600 blocks to be completed in 2007.

According to a release, the goal of the State Street Strategic Plan is to improve traffic issues and expand facilities and services for pedestrians.

"These funds will help lessen traffic congestion and will help revitalize our historic State Street for all to enjoy," said Senator Kohl in a release.

Verveer said the money obtained from the federal government is not being used for anything specific at this time. However, he added that the additional money is crucial for the project.

"It's a pricey project because we're not only redoing everything you see above ground, but we are repairing everything underground as well," Verveer said. "The stuff no one can see is going to be the most expensive."

Verveer said most of the current underground work on State Street has been in place since the late-19th century or earlier, and is in dire need of replacement. The funding secured by Baldwin and Kohl will allow city staff to make all necessary repairs.

The committee also wishes to reconstruct various side streets near State Street itself, such as Gilman Street. With more funding, the committee would be able to make Gilman into a two-way street and clean up the block closest to State Street.

"The current plan calls for the reconstruction of side streets as well, but [the city doesn't] have the money in the budget to do that right now," Verveer said.

In addition to the funding collected for the State Street redevelopment project, Kohl and Baldwin also acquired funding for a project called Transport 2020. According to a release, this project will improve the growing transportation needs of pedestrians in the area and will continue current efforts to improve the most memorable and historic portion of Madison.