Baldwin Looks To Create Grant Program For Waterfront Development

Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin has introduced a bill that she says would help communities redevelop their waterfronts and make them more resilient.

Baldwin said communities are facing many challenges in reshaping their waterfronts, including the effects of past industrial development.

“Communities are really trying to revitalize and increase their resiliency against more extreme weather events and changing water levels. This bill is really to help in that planning process,” she said.

Baldwin said the legislation would create a grant program to help pay for planning. Bayfield Mayor Larry MacDonald said the city is applying for a different grant to develop a waterfront plan.

“Our waterfront is one of the most important things we have after our residents … You got to have enough money to plan it right,” he said.

MacDonald said funding for waterfront development has become more difficult to come by over the years. He said he hopes more money will become available so they can put a plan into action.