E-Newsletter Volume 12, Issue 11 / November 2022 |
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Applications Now Open for BIL TAP Projects |
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On November 1st, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced that application materials are now available for a supplemental Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) FFY 2023 – 2026 solicitation that include the Surface Transportation Program (STP) - Local, the Local Bridge Program and the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
WisDOT also announced a new TAP program component called Safe Transportation Alternatives for Rural Schools (STARS). The STARS initiative is designed to simply both the application and delivery of TAP projects in rural areas of Wisconsin, those with populations less than 5,000. The Commission will update future newsletters when more information is learned about the new STARS program.
Applications for the new solicitations are due on Friday, March 24, 2023. More information about the new BIL solicitations can be found on WisDOT’s website.
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Grant Writing Basics Virtual Workshop |
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UW-Extension will be holding a free virtual grant writing workshop on Thursday, November 10th from 10:00 am – 12:00 PM. The workshop is free and will cover how to write a grant proposal, where to find funding, common grant writing mistakes, and more. To register, click here.
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On Saturday, October 15th, Commission staff assisted the Luxemburg-Casco School District in holding a Fall Bike Rodeo. The event was partnered by several public agencies and had representatives from the school district, Kewaunee County Sherriff’s Department, Village of Luxemburg Police Department, Village of Luxemburg Rescue Squad, and others. Participants of the event enjoyed a free helmet giveaway, learned about bicycle safety, received a bike maintenance check, and rode their bikes in the obstacle course. The event also had a raffle for two free bike giveaways.
The bike rodeo event was put on in continued efforts of the Luxemburg-Casco School District Safe Routes to School project. More information related to the event or the overall project can be obtained by reaching out to Nicole Barbiaux.
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2022 MPO/RPC/WisDOT/USDOT Transportation
Planning Conference
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The Commission hosted the 2022 MPO/RPC/WisDOT/USDOT transportation planning conference at Blue Harbor Resort and Conference Center in Sheboygan October 10 – 12, 2022. Approximately 40 transportation planning professionals from across Wisconsin attended the conference, along with numerous presenters, and state and federal DOT representatives. Mayor Ryan Sorenson of the City of Sheboygan and Sheboygan County Board Chairperson Vern Koch opened the conference with welcoming remarks, along with Commission staff. Commission staff also presented updates on Sheboygan MPO planning activities and the Regional Transportation Program. |
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Main Street Bounceback Grant Program
Coming to a Close
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Bay-Lake RPC is continuing to accept grant applications for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Main Street Bounceback Grant program. However, grant funds are becoming limited as the program closes on December 31, 2022. The grant is available to new businesses that have purchased or leased a vacant commercial space after 1/1/2021 or for existing businesses that have expanded into a previously vacant commercial space after 1/1/2021. Lease or deed must be dated on or after 1/1/2021. Additional program eligibility and exclusions can be found on the grant program's webpage. Please note that funding is limited under this program and businesses are not guaranteed grant funds. Bay-Lake RPC is focusing on spaces that meet the square footage requirements and operating at time of completed application submittal.
Since the program began, we have received over 1,460 Intents to Apply and funded 637 applications!
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The Sheboygan Metropolitan Planning Area Transportation Improvement Program: Calendar Years 2023 – 2026, the 2023 Sheboygan Metropolitan Planning Area Transportation Planning Work Program, and Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) 2023 performance targets for the Sheboygan Metropolitan Planning Area were approved by the Commission at an October 28th meeting of its Executive Committee after being recommended for approval at the October 27th joint meeting of the Sheboygan MPO Technical and Policy Advisory Committees. To view these final documents, please click on the links below.
Updating the long-range transportation plan for the metropolitan planning area continues to be a major task in 2022. Commission staff continued work on draft Chapters 6 (Transportation and Land Use) and 9 (Financial Plan), and started preparation of draft Chapter 7 (Recommended Transportation Plan) of the Year 2050 SATP in October. The Sheboygan MPO Technical and Policy Advisory Committees discussed which capacity modifying projects to test with the travel demand forecast model at their joint meeting in late October; this will contribute to the completion of draft Chapters 6 and 7 of the plan.
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Want to help make an impact in our region? Below are links to the public input activities and surveys that are currently open. |
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Town of Jacksonport Comprehensive Plan Survey |
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The Town of Jacksonport is in the beginning stages of its 20-year comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is a document that ensures Jacksonport remains a community where people are excited to live, work, and play. The town is asking members of the public to participate in an online survey to identify concerns or improvements needed in the community. The online survey is available through December 6, 2022, and can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
Any questions about the Town of Jacksonport Comprehensive Plan should be directed to Heena Bhatt at hbhatt@baylakerpc.org or 920-448-2820 ex. 107.
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Manitowoc County Parks and Open Space Survey |
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Manitowoc County is in the process of updating the Manitowoc County Parks and Open Space Plan. The County is asking members of the public to provide feedback on what outdoor recreation activities they currently enjoy and what they want to see for future recreational opportunities.
Input gathered from the survey will help the County understand which facilities are currently being utilized and prioritize future recreational needs. The survey will be open until November 30, 2022 and can be access by clicking on the link below:
Any questions about the Manitowoc County Parks and Open Space Plan should be directed to Nicole Barbiaux at nbarbiaux@baylakerpc.org or 920-448-2820 ext. 104.
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Upcoming Events & Meetings |
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Grant Writing Basics Virtual Workshop
Thursday, November 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online Event, hosted by UW Extension
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Sheboygan MPO Technical and Policy Advisory Committees Joint Meeting
Thursday, November 17, 1:00pm
Online Only
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- December 8, 2022 -
Sheboygan MPO Technical and Policy Advisory Committees Joint Meeting
1:00pm
Sheboygan City Hall and Online
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- December 9, 2022 -
Bay-Lake RPC Full
Commission Meeting
10:00am
The Woods Golf Club
530 Erie Rd, Green Bay
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Funding and Grant Opportunities |
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November and December Grant Deadlines
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- AARP Wisconsin Small Dollar, Big Impact Grants (November 10)
- TCE Build Strong Grant Program (November 11)
- WDNR Urban Wildlife Damage Abatement and Control Grant (December 1)
- WDT Meetings Mean Business (MMB) Grant Program (December 1)
- AARP Wisconsin Small Dollar, Big Impact Grant (December 6)
- ALDI Cares Community Grants (December 15)
- T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program (December 30)
- WEDC Main Street Bounceback Grant Program (December 31)
- Wis NRF Go Outside Fund (December 31)
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Do you want to know more about planning services or grants available? |
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The staff of the Bay-Lake RPC are happy to speak to your boards/councils, committees, organization, or community groups about what is happening in our region. We are also available to assist communities and counties with meeting facilitation.
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