Grants planned for nine northeastern Wisconsin counties

Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, Waushara and Winnebago

GREEN BAY – The Department of Natural Resources plans to award more than $900,000 to local governments for recreation projects in northeastern Wisconsin. The funding comes from the Knowles-Nelson State Stewardship Program, federal Land and Water Conservation Program, federal Sport Fish Restoration Program, and federal Recreational Trails Act Program.

These projects are tentatively selected for grant awards, subject to additional reviews that may include the Wisconsin State Historical Society, various First Nation groups, Environmental permit administrators, and approval by the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or the National Park Service. The applications approved are:

• Calumet County: Funding for the county to develop and improve the harbor of refuge and public boat launch facility at Brothertown Harbor.
• Door County: Funding for the county to purchase an additional 2.5 acres to be added to Olde Stone Quarry Park.
• Kewaunee County: Funding for a trail and fishing pier at Blahnik Park.
• Manitowoc County: Funding for the city to rehabilitate the beach and boardwalk trail at Red Arrow Park.
• Marinette County: Funding for the Town of Pembine to rehabilitate restrooms and parking, and to add a new trail segment at the American Legion Park.
• Oconto County: Funding for the rehabilitation of a trail access road to the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest.
• Outagamie County: Funding for the Village of Little Chute to develop a new trail and observation deck along the Fox River in Heesakker park.
  Waushara County: Funding for the City of Wautoma to install a fishing pier at Library Park.
• Winnebago County: Funding for the Town of Menasha to continue their redevelopment of Fritse Park.

Projects of these types normally do not involve significant environmental effects. The department has made a preliminary determination that neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement will be required. The department is seeking public comments, either written or oral, on any of these projects. Comments should be directed to Chris Halbur, DNR Northeast Region Grant Manager by mail at 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI, 54313; by phone at 920-662-5121; or by email at Christine.Halbur@Wisconsin.gov. The deadline for comments is Friday, February 27, 2009.