Public Works Committee to discuss rate hike to fund work at Racine’s Foxconn facility

Alderman Robert J. Bauman has introduced a communication file to investigate if We Energies rate payers in Milwaukee will be on the hook for funding critical electrical utility infrastructure for the soon-to-be-built Foxconn facility near Racine. Alderman Bauman, chair of the Common Council’s Public Works Committee, will bring the issue to that committee for a hearing at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4 in room 301-B at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

To serve the Foxconn facility in Racine, the American Transmission Company (ATC) is proposing a $140 million substation with high voltage power lines. Alderman Bauman is calling for the City of Milwaukee to explore what, if any, standing Milwaukee has as a major utility customer to object to the massive proposed utility project.

“We could have a situation where low-income Milwaukee citizens, who have no transit connections to Foxconn for future employment options, are paying for the plant three times: once through their state taxes, a second time through their utility bill and a third time through their property taxes, water bills, and fees,” Alderman Bauman said.

Recently, ATC was quoted by a local media outlet as saying the project would be funded by Wisconsin ratepayers.

“If ratepayers here are suddenly stuck with paying for We Energies’ relocation costs in Racine County, then this is a major concern and an issue we need to discuss further with the City Attorney,” the alderman said.

Alderman Bauman, who said he also has serious concerns about the partnering entities with ATC on the project, has asked for the City Attorney and Intergovernmental Relations Division staff to attend Thursday’s Public Works Committee meeting.

Thursday’s meeting will be televised live on the City Channel (Channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99) in the City of Milwaukee. It can also be viewed, via streaming video, on the city website at www.city.milwaukee.gov/Channel25.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.