Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Over $110 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin 

WEST ALLIS — Gov. Tony Evers announced today the Wisconsin State Building Commission met at the Wisconsin State Fair and approved a total of approximately $110.2 million in key projects statewide.

“I’m proud we were able to approve these critically important projects, including making necessary improvements to our state agencies to help streamline government efficiency, ensuring the Fox Lake Correctional Institution entrance and visitor center is accessible to all, supporting the historic AL. Ringling Theatre by upgrading stage operations, and making essential upgrades to our beloved UW System campuses,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m grateful to the Commission for approving these projects and seeing the value in continuing to invest in the past, present, and future of Wisconsin. I look forward to seeing firsthand the impact these critical investments will have on communities and folks across our state.”

Highlights of the Commission’s approved projects include:

• Transformative projects for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, including renovations to the Tennison Bay campground at Peninsula State Park, a new Fire Response Ranger Station in Washburn, and two new facilities at the Lemay Forestry Center. These upgrades will protect essential equipment and services while enhancing the experience for park visitors statewide.
• ADA-compliant improvements at the Fox Lake Correctional Institution, which will overhaul the entrance and visitor building to provide a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for visitors and staff.
• A new multi-divisional facility in Spooner for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, combining the Wisconsin State Patrol Command Post, Division of Motor Vehicles Customer Service Center, Wisconsin Emergency Management offices, and Division of Transportation System Development offices into a modern, centralized location—advancing service delivery and reducing long-term costs.
• Infrastructure upgrades at the Wisconsin State Capitol, including sidewalk reconstruction and expanded stormwater piping. These improvements are a proactive step in safeguarding one of Wisconsin’s most iconic buildings.
• A strategic land transfer in Chippewa Falls, transferring nearly 80 acres from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs to support a new National Guard Readiness Center.
• Acceptance of a gift-in-kind at the AL. Ringling Theatre, supporting completed renovations to stage lighting and rigging systems. This project—sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Foundation and the Friends of the AL. Ringling Theatre—enhances the historic venue and ensures ongoing safe operations are in alignment with preservation standards.
• Demolition of aging buildings across three University of Wisconsin (UW) campuses—Oshkosh, Platteville, and Parkside—as part of the 2023-25 Multi-Building Demolition Program. These removals will make way for future development and eliminate costly maintenance burdens.
• Installation of two new water-cooled chillers at UW-Green Bay, replacing outdated systems with modern, high-efficiency equipment through the 2023-25 Central Plant and Utility Distribution Renovation Program.
• Improvements at UW-Stout’s Robert S. Swanson Library and Learning Center, including upgrades to the electrical system and maintenance and renovation of the exterior building envelope through the 2023-25 UW Minor Facilities Renewal Program.
• Approval of 20 facility maintenance and repair projects statewide, spanning multiple agencies and dozens of counties. These projects address vital infrastructure needs like sewer and utility replacements, dam and boardwalk improvements, building envelope repairs, and life safety upgrades.

The Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and made up of the following members:

• State Sen. Brad Pfaff;
• State Sen. Mary Felzkowski;
• State Sen. André Jacque;
• State Rep. Jill Billings;
• State Rep. Rob Swearingen;
• State Rep. Robert Wittke; and
• Citizen Member Barb Worcester.

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.