A $22.9 Million Investment in the Future

In 2021, we learned the county was to receive $22.9 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was signed into law by President Biden in March of that year. The funds presented a huge opportunity and a challenge. Three years later, they have been awarded to local projects that will have a long-lasting impact. The list includes:

• $3 million for Catholic Charities and Couleecap to house families (at least five families, or 16 children and nine adults, housed to date, with more to come)
• $12 million to transform Hillview (including an intergenerational center and Community Based Residential Facility)
• $2 million for towns to support 14 stormwater infrastructure projects (in Campbell, Onalaska, Holland and Shelby)
• $1 million to support housing redevelopment grants (helping to increase tax base and support new single and multi-family housing in La Crosse, Rockland, Campbell and Onalaska)
• $500,000 for child care grants to 36 providers outside the City of La Crosse. One provider who received funding noted: “This funding is going to make a huge difference for my small business and for my community"
• $1.5 million for solar at multiple county properties (county will receive a $700,000 rebate through Focus on Energy Credits and the Inflation Reduction Act)
• $2 million for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse to support development of a new workforce readiness center on the northside of La Crosse.

The projects were backed by the county board and informed by community input to target areas of need across our county. Learn more by viewing a presentation given to the county board on our ARPA projects here.

Fixing the Roads

The La Crosse County Highway Department is on track to pave 14.8 miles of county highway in 2024, supported by increased local and state funding. Next year, the county is expected to spend $14.1 million in state and local funds on highway improvements, a new record. The funds will support 11 miles of highway construction and between 20 and 25 miles of chip sealing. The increased spending, which has been boosted by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), is producing results. Since 2021, the percentage of county highway miles rated as being in poor condition has been reduced by 45%. County Highway Commissioner Joe Langeberg estimates that 89% of county highway miles will be rated as being in fair to good condition next year, a significant improvement. Watch for more updates in our next issue as discussion of the county's 2025 budget begins.

Employee Spotlight: Renee Nugent

"A lot of time, people with a math mindset are segmented off in an office and you don't really see the end results of your work," says Renee Nugent, a Senior Accountant at La Crosse County. "At the county, you get to see the positive impact." Renee worked in group homes throughout college, supporting people with disabilities. A job at the county offered an opportunity to combine her math skills with her enthusiasm for helping people. Renee began working at the county as an account clerk in the Human Services Department. She moved to the Finance Department in 2014, which opened her eyes to the breadth of services the county provides, from long-term care to libraries to highways and much more. Outside work, Renee, who grew up on a farm in rural Dunn County, recently adopted three kittens. She likes to impress her nieces and nephews by solving a Rubik's Cube, which she says can do in two minutes.

Support our Family & Children's Fundraiser

Our Family & Children’s Section is hosting a Brat Barn this Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Copeland Avenue Festival to raise funds for local kids and families. Stop by to support a great cause! If you are interested in a group delivery, email jschroed@lacrossecounty.org or call 608-792-4971 by Friday at 9 a.m. You can also make a donation at lacrossecounty.org/humanservices/donate. Funds raised will help local families with necessities and extracurricular expenses. Members of the Family & Children's team are pictured above at their last Brat Barn fundraiser in May.

County Partnership at Lincoln School Development

What Happened: A new affordable housing development in the former Lincoln Middle School is also expected to house neighborhood offices for the La Crosse Area Family Collaborative (LAFC) and Youth System of Care (SOC). The development will feature 51-units of housing, including one, two, and three bed apartments. Commonwealth Development Corporation, which is behind the development, is working with the county on plans for office space at the site.

Background: The former middle school is within the Washburn-Powell Poage neighborhoods, a core focus area for LAFC's neighborhood social workers. The new partnership will allow LAFC to continue serving those neighborhoods and provide onsite support for families who reside in the new development. LAFC/SOC and Commonwealth have a shared focus of supporting families and investing in neighborhoods.

What's Next: The proposed development still has to go before the La Crosse City Council. The developers are also hoping to secure state tax credits to assist with financing. If all the pieces fall into place, completion of the project is expected in 2027.

Library: Meet Danielle Trussoni

Bestselling author Danielle Trussoni, who grew up in La Crosse, will talks about her upcoming book, The Puzzle Box, at the Onalaska Public Library at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5.

The Puzzle Box will be released later in October, but Trussoni will have Barnes & Noble from Valley View Mall selling copies of her book at this event. No registration required.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County (ADRC) is hosting free events in Holmen and La Crosse to help people learn how to reduce the risk of falls. The events will be held on:

• Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Holmen Area Community Center, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 20, at the Concordia Ballroom, La Crosse, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The events will feature an indoor walking path, resource tables and health screenings, a "fall-proof" fashion show, and more. No registration required for activities (except lunch).

For more details, visit lacrossestopfalls.org or call the ADRC at 608-785-5700.

The county's new online property tax and parcel search portal launched on Monday. The portal allows the public to pay property taxes, view their tax information, and perform property parcel searches from the Treasurer’s website. The updated portal uses new software that offers improved security and functionality. Although the appearance of the portal has changed, the public should not notice any change in service.

Bangor Library Hosts Rail Safety Event

The public is invited to Bangor Public Library at 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23, to learn more about rail safety as part of “See Tracks? Think Train Week." The event is focused on raising awareness about railroad safety and preventing accidents at crossings. County staff are working with Operation Lifesaver to host the event. Events are also planned for local schools as part of “See Tracks? Think Train Week" to discuss the importance of making safe

choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks.