E-Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 10 / October 2020 |
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The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) released its 2021-2022 Request for Proposals announcement last month. Coastal counties and communities are fortunate in that WCMP grants can be used as an option to help offset the cost of updating a comprehensive or outdoor recreation plan. The WCMP is currently seeking proposals to enhance and restore coastal resources within the state's coastal zone (i.e., all counties adjacent to Lakes Michigan and Superior, with their 1,000 miles of shoreline). WCMP grants are also available for projects under the following categories:
- Coastal wetland protection and habitat restoration
- Nonpoint source pollution control
- Coastal resource and community planning
- Great Lakes education, public access and historic preservation
The WCMP anticipates awarding approximately $1.5 million in grant funding. WCMP applications are due Friday, November 2, 2020.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Brandon Robinson of the Commission for additional information, or WCMP staff to discuss ideas for project proposals and application requirements. Application materials and the Request for Proposals are available on the WCMP website.
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Town of Underhill Awarded CDBG-PF Funding for New Fire Station |
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Earlier this year, the Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission completed a Community Development Block Grant – Public Facilities (CDBG-PF) application and an Environmental Assessment for the Town of Underhill in Oconto County for the construction of a new fire station. We are excited to announce that the application was successful and environmental certification has been received. The Department of Administration (DOA) has now awarded a grant to the Town of Underhill in the amount of $977,870 for the construction of a new fire station.
If your community is interested in receiving CDBG funding for a public facilities project, please contact Sydney Swan right away to discuss project eligibility and learn more about our grant writing services. The 2021 CDBG-PF annual competitive grant application submission deadline is to be determined but application materials and application deadline information for the annual cycle are typically announced in January each year.
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2020 Annual CEDS Survey Update |
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The Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission is responsible for developing and updating the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document. As part of this process, the Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission recently sent the 2020 Annual CEDS Survey to each unit of local government within the region. The survey asks each community to identify priority community and economic development projects to be incorporated into the document. Projects that are listed in the CEDS may help to secure EDA funding and/or other federal and state funding.
Communities may complete and submit the survey by mail, email, or by using an online form found here. To ensure your community’s projects are included in this year’s update, please complete and submit surveys no later than Monday, November 9th, 2020.
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WEDC "We're All Innovating Contest" grant program for Small and Startup Businesses |
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The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) just released the “We’re All Innovating Contest” grant program to support small and startup businesses to develop innovative responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program is designed to provide financial support to innovative startup and established small businesses in Wisconsin through a competitive process judged by a review committee of business and industry experts administered in partnership with the Wisconsin Technology Council. Contest winners will receive grants from WEDC through federal CARES Act funding to support business model and technology innovations that respond to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The contest intends to reach up to 195 companies with $3 million in total funding.
Applications will be accepted on the website ONLY beginning 8 a.m. Sept. 29 and close at 11:59 p.m., Oct. 18. Judging will take place in late October and early November. Grant announcements will be made by Dec. 15.
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Kewaunee County Invasive Species Treatments Update |
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Throughout the month of September, Cardno, Inc., has been within Kewaunee County treating non-native phragmites. These treatments are part of a three year treatment cycle to Wild Parsnip, Japanese Knotweed, and Phragmites within the county funded through the EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Within the past month, a total of 142 acres of phragmites were treated within the county.
The treatments provided in September brings the project total to 870 total acres treated from 2018 - 2020. Treatments will be continuing through the first few weeks of October provided that nice weather continues.
Any questions related to the Kewaunee County invasive treatments can be directed to Nicole Barbiaux.
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Input Requested on Several Local Planning Projects |
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Several jurisdictions in the region are in the early stages of updating their local plans. The cities of Two Rivers and Marinette have all initiated their comprehensive planning efforts and would like your help as they plan for future growth and preservation. As a result, the Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission (BLRPC) has developed a number of opportunities for citizens and property owners to provide input on these projects.
The City of Marinette is asking for input from citizens and other stakeholders on its Comprehensive Plan update through an online survey and an interactive online portal. In addition to the survey, the interactive online tool provides users with the ability to pinpoint issues or specific areas of concern on a map, as well as identify areas recommended for future growth. The City of Marinette survey and interactive tool will be live from October 16 through November 22 and will be available here.
The City of Two Rivers is asking for input from citizens and other stakeholders on its Comprehensive Plan update through an online survey and an interactive online portal. In addition to the survey, the interactive online tool provides users with the ability to pinpoint issues or specific areas of concern on a map, as well as identify areas recommended for future growth. The City of Two Rivers survey and interactive tool will be live in early November.
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Want to help make an impact in our region? Below are links to the open public input and surveys that are currently available.
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Upcoming Events & Meetings |
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Upper Midwest APA Planning & Adapting Conference
October 12 - 14, 2020
Virtual Online Conference
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Sheboygan MPO Technical and Policy Advisory Committees Joint Meeting
Thursday, October 29, 2020, 1:00pm
Sheboygan City Hall
(Virtual Online Meeting Option Also Available)
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Bay-Lake RPC Executive Committee Meeting
Friday, October 30, 2020, 10am - 12pm
Virtual Online Meeting
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- December 11, 2020 -
Bay-Lake RPC Full Commission Meeting
Virtual Online Meeting
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Available Grant Opportunities |
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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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