Supervisor Steve F. Taylor Proposes Funding Transfer to Restore Bender Park Boat Launch

MILWAUKEE – Supervisor Steve F. Taylor introduced a resolution that would authorize the transfer of $241,418 from contingency funds (Org. Unit 194‑1945) and $100,000 from surplus McKinley Beach safety funds (WP0760) to Project WP0778 – Bender Park Boat Launch. The funds would be used to contract dredging services and restore this key ‘harbor of refuge’ for emergency responders and recreational boaters. According to Taylor:

“My stance on spending contingency dollars has been consistent throughout my elected tenure with Milwaukee County. I believe the only reason we should tap into those dollars is for emergency purposes. The Bender Park Boat Launch has become just that, an emergency. A few years ago, I supported using $700,000 in contingency at McKinley Beach due to the unfortunate drownings.

“Now, as we are midway through a second summer, Bender Park has not been dredged. The project was budgeted for 2024 WP0778. Delays in permitting, issues with consulting, and an increased cost of services have pushed the project over budget, which is why I am asking my colleagues to support this request.

“I know firsthand the effects of a loss of life due to drowning. Human life is worth more than $241,000. First responders need to be able to get on and off Lake Michigan safely in the event of an emergency. The time to act is now!!”

The Bender Park Boat Launch was opened in 1999, and when operational, provides a critical shelter point during unsafe lake conditions. Heavy sediment buildup has repeatedly blocked access, leading to dredging being required in 2007, 2011, and 2013 to maintain the site, which now remains closed due to current sediment overflow. The 2024 Capital Budget allocated $802,500 for WP0778, but rising permitting delays, consulting complications, and higher bids have pushed the project over budget by $341,418.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) permits were approved in April 2025, but the low bid exceeded available funding.

If approved, the Parks Department has secured a winning bid for the dredging project and expects work to begin promptly. The prospective project is designed to restore five feet of depth at the launch, reestablishing safe harbor access for public safety and recreational use.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.