The city of Wisconsin Rapids is moving forward with an ambitious plan to redevelop its riverfront even though funding for the project is threatened by Gov. Scott Walker’s budget cuts.
The Wisconsin Rapids City Council has hired a design consultant to plan trails and other amenities on the river’s east side. Mayor Zach Vruwink said the aging river wall also needs to be renovated.
“There are some erosion and some engineering concerns as it relates to the river wall. It’s nearing 100 years old. We need to make sure the structural integrity can withstand major flooding,” said Vruwink.
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Funding for the project, however, is threatened by Walker’s proposal to freeze the state stewardship fund.
“We’re very much hopeful that the Legislature reconsiders some of the cuts that have been made to the (state Department of Natural Resources) stewardship program. We asked for half the total project cost, which is a little over a million dollars,” said Vruwink.
The mayor said the city has already applied for the stewardship grant.
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