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(LITTLE CHUTE) The Heart of the Valley is beating stronger today with approval of a major tourism and economic project. At a 10 a.m. Monday press conference with state and local officials at Little Chute Village Hall, Congressman Steve Kagen announced design funding for the Little Chute lift bridge has been released with construction of the bridge scheduled to commence in spring 2009.
Congressman Kagen met with Sec. Busalacchi last week in Washington DC following several meetings Kagen has conducted with local officials. Kagen discussed the importance of the timing of the Little Chute lift bridge project due to the windmill construction, park improvements, and Fox Locks work, and convinced Busalacchi that it warranted moving up the timeline on the project. Kagen argued that the current ranking of the project (161 on the list) didn't take any of those issues into consideration.
This is a federal/state/local/private partnership and recognizes the potential that exists for regional economic development surrounding this destination point in the Fox River Valley.
Design funding is estimated at $590,000. Total estimated cost for the project including construction engineering is $6.5 million.
Eighty percent of the funding is paid by federal and state transportation funds, with the remaining 20 percent split between the Village of Little Chute and Outagamie County.
Statement by Congressman Steve Kagen delivered at today’s news conference:
"I have the honor of announcing this morning that as a result of discussions with Governor Jim Doyle's transportation team in my Washington, D.C. office, we will be investing in the construction of a new lift bridge - our Bridge to the Future - right here in downtown Little Chute.
This is a critical and timely investment of our hard-earned tax dollars, for it will stimulate local construction, add tourism dollars to local businesses, and at the same time guarantee the success of two other essential heritage projects - the reconstruction of the Fox Locks and our newest Dutch treat - the Little Chute Windmill.
The combined efforts of everyone standing with me today remind us that when people cooperate, everyone wins. What you are witnessing today is a perfect trifecta - the Fox Locks, the Little Chute Windmill and the connecting piece - the reconstruction of a worn out lift bridge.
This is a historic site, one we must invest in with pride, and by our collective actions today we are recommitting ourselves to the economic success of our cities, our towns, our villages, and to our heritage.
I believe in good government, and good government depends upon the good judgment of elected officials and the active participation of community minded citizens.
Today, we are putting good government to work, and by continuing to work together, we will build a better future for all of us in Northeast Wisconsin.
It has been an honor and a real privilege to serve you and to announce this project."
Tom Nelson State Assemblyman
Toby Paltzer Outagamie County Executive
Chuck Fischer President, Village of Little Chute
Chuck Kell Administrator, Village of Little Chute
Harlan Kiesow Fox River Navigational System Authority
Don DeGroot President, Little Chute Windmill Inc. Board of Directors
Robin Dekker Executive Director, Little Chute Windmill, Inc.
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