 
Superior Days
Douglas County Courthouse
1313 Belknap Street, #107
Superior, WI 54880-2781
Telephone:
(715) 395-1363
Fax: (715) 395-1399
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All Superior Days issues must meet
the following three criteria:
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Issues must be unique to
Northwest Wisconsin.
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Issues must have community wide
consensus.
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Resolution of the issue requires
resources that
exceed local capacity.
Legislative Issues
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University of Wisconsin New
Academic Building
| The Citizens of Northwest Wisconsin wish to
request the assurance of capital support for planning and
construction of a new academic building at the University of
Wisconsin-Superior.
University of Wisconsin-Superior students have
high expectations for their education. It is the goal of the
University to fulfill those expectations and to set a high
standard of quality instruction for Wisconsin’s Public Liberal
Arts College.
Wisconsin’s recent investment in UW-Superior
through construction of a Health and Wellness Center is proof of
the University’s and State’s commitment to quality education in
the northland. UW-Superior is now preparing to meet its next major
goal: construction of a new academic building.
This facility will replace two academic
buildings, neither of which was initially intended for University
instruction. Both aging buildings, McCaskill Hall (constructed in
1959) and Sundquist Hall (constructed in 1950), have been deemed
unsuitable by the state for further renovations to meet student
needs. The new, approximately 160,000-square-foot building would
be equipped with flexible classrooms to meet changing teaching and
learning styles; faculty offices; and specialized laboratory and
work space for student projects and student/faculty research. The
infrastructure would support current and future technology access.
The project has been articulated as a high
priority within the UW System and is a key component in
UW-Superior’s “Campaign Superior: Higher Expectations.” This
campaign partnership with the UW-Superior Foundation will raise $7
million in private contributions for the building. Already, more
than $6 million has been pledged to the project. The overall
project is estimated at $32+ million.
Students expect their classrooms and facilities
to live up to modern standards. This project will help the
University meet those expectations and replace two facilities
whose maintenance is a drain on state resources.
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State of Wisconsin Harbor
Assistance Program (HAP)
| The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
that the Legislature provide increased funding for the Harbor
Assistance Program, provide consideration or designation of funds
to two major Superior harbor projects and provide funding for
research related to accelerated freshwater corrosion.
Superior is Wisconsin’s largest port. The port
of Superior-Duluth ships the most tonnage of any port on the Great
Lakes. The port of Superior-Duluth also has the designation as
being the largest (by volume) seasonal port in the world. The
annual shipping season and associated waterfront capital
investments generate a total economic impact for the Superior
region that exceeds $210 million. Waterfront facilities pay over
$3 million in property taxes and Superior docks pay occupational
taxes of approximately $1 million per annum. More than 2,000 jobs
are directly and indirectly reliant on the annual shipping season
and capital investments.
An efficient and thriving port requires
significant investment in harbor infrastructure including dock
walls, material handling facilities and harbor and slip dredging.
Regular dock wall maintenance is expected, but other unforeseen
opportunities and threats arise in a port community which require
immediate attention and additional financial investment.
Wisconsin is fortunate in that it has a program
that provides financial assistance to port communities and the
maritime businesses located therein. Since 1979, the Harbor
Assistance Program (HAP), administered by the Wisconsin Department
of Transportation, has assisted harbor communities along the Great
Lakes and Mississippi River in maintaining and improving
waterborne commerce. Port projects typically include dock
reconstruction, mooring structure replacement, dredging, and the
construction of facilities to hold dredged material. The port of
Superior has received assistance from HAP in the past for three
dock wall improvement projects.
Harbor Assistance Program grant funds may be
used to finance up to 80 percent of eligible project costs or, if
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers financing is involved, up to 50
percent of the local share of eligible project costs. HAP has
historically been funded at $5 million per biennium.
Unfortunately, the need for HAP funds far outstrips the resources
available in the program.
In the port of Superior alone, 28 dock projects
have been identified that would require a total of approximately
$60 million in investments over the next twenty years. Neither the
City of Superior nor the industries that utilize these facilities
have the financial wherewithal to make these investments on their
own.
Two immediate projects in the port require over
$4.7 million in funding. The dock that serves the Cutler Magner
Company needs to be improved in order to support the company’s $36
million dollar expansion to its manufacturing operations. On the
other end of the port, dock wall repairs totaling $1.7 million
dollars are expected to address dock wall deterioration at Cenex
Harvest States due to “accelerated freshwater corrosion” that is
occurring in the Superior-Duluth Harbor.
The “accelerated freshwater corrosion” is a
significant problem in the Superior-Duluth harbor. The U.S. Army
Corp of Engineers and the State of Minnesota have provided funds
to research the cause of the problem and to develop solutions.
Research could point to the utilization of protective coatings
that could preserve dock walls and delay or prevent costly future
repairs – thus saving millions of dollars in the long run. The
State of Wisconsin has not yet contributed funds to these research
efforts. Results of research done in the Superior Harbor could be
used to address this issue in other harbors in the state.
In summary, in order for Superior to maintain
its status as a world class port it needs assistance from the
State of Wisconsin to address the opportunities and threats that
face its harbor facilities. We are requesting that the State of
Wisconsin: 1) increase funding of the HAP program to at least $6
million per biennium, 2) provide consideration or designation of
funds to the Cutler Magner and Cenex Harvest States projects; and
3) provide $150,000 in funding for research related to the
accelerated freshwater corrosion problem facing the harbor.
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Coalition for Eco-Industrial
Development
| The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
that the legislature provide targeted support to the Coalition for
Eco-Industrial Development (CEID) as a strategic regional partner
in the state’s bio-economy initiatives
The Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development is
organized to enable the region to realize:
• significant progress toward a bio-based
economy
• new eco-industrial development and growth
• commercialization of clean technologies and eco-based ventures
• eco-efficiency improvements for existing industries
• improved energy security
• a leadership role for eco-industrial development that can be
multiplied in other areas of the state
Background
Interest in eco-industrial
development has been gaining momentum in northwest Wisconsin and
northeast Minnesota over the past ten years. It has long been seen
as a type of development that is uniquely suited to the area’s
resource-based economy. While the region may be characterized by a
relative lack of population concentrations and proximity to major
development corridors, eco-industrial development represents a
path where the region’s economic expansion can match the promise
of its resources.
A regional task force, with start-up support
from the Knight Foundation, was established in late 2004 to put
the initial pieces in place to move eco-industrial development
from concept to practice. These have included creation of the
Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development (CEID), initial baseline
research and data collection, and the targeted support of
potential eco-industrial projects.
“Industrial ecology is the
study of the flows of materials and energy in industrial
and consumer activities, of the effects of these flows on the
environment, and of the influences of economic, political,
regulatory, and social factors on the flow, use, and
transformation of resources” (Robert White, President, National
Academy of Engineering, 1994).
Eco-Industrial Development
involves “networks of businesses that work with each other
and in conjunction with their communities to improve resource
productivity, expand markets, eliminate pollution, and catalyze
economic growth through enhanced profits, wages, and local
investment” (North American Eco-Industrial Development Council,
2003).
“Phase One” Momentum
The recent creation of the Coalition
for Eco-Industrial Development is the culmination of a number of
important first steps that have already been taken:
• identifying opportunities and providing
project-specific assistance to emerging ventures—including market
planning and site plan development for Elkhorn Industries at
Connors Point in Superior as part of a “design charrette”
• initiating the development of key baseline
information—real estate assessment, marketing approaches, regional
industrial site profiles, regional energy profile, inventory of
eco-industries
• identifying and educating regional
stakeholders—meetings and presentations, sponsorship of two
regional “eco-industrial forums”
• gaining commitment and support from local
governments—City of Superior, Douglas County, City of Duluth, St.
Louis County
• capacity building and technical support from
state government—Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• developing a draft business plan for the
Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development—collaboratively forming
an implementation process and plan
Next Steps – “Phase Two”
The Coalition for Eco-Industrial
Development is prepared to play a key role in the transformation
of the area’s manufacturing, agricultural, and natural resource
economy as part of the state’s next wave of initiatives focused on
bio-based development. It will do this by providing organized and
targeted “intellectual capital” and specialized knowledge to
support new high performance industries. This will, out of
necessity, be a collaborative effort with private, public, and
nonprofit sector participation as well as a regional effort that
will cut across city, county, and state boundaries. Partnering
with the State of Wisconsin, through its various agencies and
legislatively, will be a critical element in a successful
eco-industrial strategy.
The Coalition’s strategic framework to develop
regional capacity and implement an eco-industrial development
initiative is focused on these key objectives during “Phase Two”
over the next five years:
• promote the development of eco-industrial
parks and infrastructure to support high-performing industries
• provide assistance to businesses and local governments in
adopting eco-efficient strategies and technologies
• expand and formalize the regional eco-industrial network
• fully develop analytical tools for identifying efficiencies and
market opportunities
• capture opportunities through regional “eco-branding”
During this start-up period, the Coalition will
require:
• funding and related support from a range of private, public, and
nonprofit sources
• a small professional staff to help facilitate and support the
effort
• access to specialized expertise and resources from partner
businesses, organizations, and local and state governments
With this legislative issue for Superior Days
2007, we want legislators to be aware of our recent progress with
and future intentions for regional eco-industrial development. We
look forward to working closely and strategically with the state
and playing a key role in its evolving bio-economy, bio-industry,
bio-energy, and bio-mass initiatives during the upcoming biennium.
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Illegalization of Transporting
Prohibited Aquatic Invasive Species
| The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request to
make it unlawful to transport on public roads,
except to a nearby cleaning station, prohibited aquatic invasive
species attached to a recreational boat, boat trailer or other
recreational watercraft in Wisconsin; and to make it unlawful to launch a recreational boat, boat trailer or other
recreational watercraft with attached prohibited aquatic invasive
species in all navigable waters in Wisconsin.
Background:
Lake Superior and a large number of the state’s inland lakes are
located in northwestern Wisconsin and represent a critical element
to the lifestyle and economy of the region. These water resources
are very crucial to the area’s economy, providing valuable
property to lakeshore owners, a significant property tax revenue
source for local governments, and an outstanding recreational
resource for boating, fishing, swimming and other water-related
recreational activities. The environmental quality and economic
value of these important resources are being threatened by the
spread of aquatic invasive species. Lake Superior has served as a
conduit for many non-native species that were discharged from the
ballast water of ocean-going ships. Once in Lake Superior these
aquatic invasive species can be transported to other water bodies
by attaching to boats, boat trailers and boat equipment or by
residing in boat live wells. Once they get into inland lakes they
may spread rapidly and denigrate the water quality and native
plant and fish populations. There are currently over 80 aquatic
invasive species in the Lake Superior, including Eurasian
watermilfoil, zebra mussels, rusty crayfish, spiny waterfleas and
New Zealand mud snails to name just a few.
In an effort to help prevent the spread of
aquatic invasive species to Wisconsin’s lakes and streams, the
state under Wis. Statute 30.715(2) has made it illegal to place or
use a boat or boating equipment or place a boat trailer in a
navigable water if the person has reason to believe that the boat,
boat trailer or boating equipment has any aquatic plants attached.
And under Wis. Statute 30.715 (3) makes it illegal to place or use
a boat or boating equipment or place a boat trailer in the Lower
St. Croix River if the person has reason to believe that the boat,
boat trailer or boating equipment has zebra mussels attached.
Also, under Wis. Statute 30.715(4)(d) requires a person to remove
or not place a boat, boat trailer or boating equipment in a
navigable water if the law enforcement officer has reason to
believe that the boat, boat trailer or boating equipment has zebra
mussels attached. Minnesota law, however, provides more
comprehensive aquatic invasive species control by making it
unlawful both to transport on public roads and introduce into
public waters “prohibited invasive species,” which includes a list
of aquatic plants and animals.
Request: It
is requested that the Wisconsin State Legislature pass legislation
that makes it illegal and unlawful to transport on
public roads, except to a nearby cleaning station, prohibited
aquatic invasive species attached to a recreational boat, boat
trailer or other recreational watercraft in Wisconsin; and make it
illegal and unlawful to launch a recreational
boat, boat trailer or other recreational watercraft with attached
prohibited aquatic invasive species in all navigable waters in
Wisconsin. This proposed legislation would provide Wisconsin, like
Minnesota, with a more comprehensive way to address the threats
and problems caused by aquatic invasive species. It would help
prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species from Lake Superior
to the inland lakes of northwest Wisconsin and help prevent their
spread from infested inland lakes to other inland lakes and
rivers. And it would require that recreational boaters and other
recreational watercraft users would need to inspect their boats,
boat trailers and other watercraft for prohibited aquatic invasive
species and remove or wash them off when detected before launching
and after removing their boats, boat trailers and other watercraft
from the water.
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Proposed 2.5% Gross Receipts Fee
on Petroleum Sales
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While we applaud the efforts of the
Governor to fully fund Wisconsin's transportation infrastructure, we
are concerned with the proposed 2.5% gross receipts fee on petroleum
sales.
Superior is home to Murphy Oil who is a major employer and economic
driver in this community. Murphy is the only oil refinery and
fuel manufacturer in the State of Wisconsin. While Murphy Oil
supplies only a small amount of the total fuel volume sold in
Wisconsin, they would disproportionately bear the burden of the
proposed fee as a larger proportion of their production is sold in
Wisconsin.
While the Superior Refinery is significant in our local economy,
it is not part of "Big Oil" that the Governor is proposing to target
with this fee. It is in fact classified by the Federal
government as a "small refiner".
Before approving this measure, please consider the significant impact
that this fee will have on the Superior area.
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Department of Administration
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State of Wisconsin Harbor Assistance
Program (HAP)
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Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development
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University of WI-Superior New
Academic Building
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Illegalization of Transporting
Prohibited Aquatic Invasive Species
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ACT 420 Revisions
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Ashland Agriculture Research
Station Maintenance Funding
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Funding for School Liaison
Officers in Northwest WI Public Schools
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Pattison State Park Project
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Renewable Energy
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Research Facility at the US
Geological Survey Vessel Dock Site in Ashland
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UPDATE TO THE ACT
420 REVISIONS ISSUE:
The State is still considering exempting this from
levy limits.
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
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Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development |
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Ashland Agriculture Research
Station Maintenance Funding |
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Purchase of Development Rights
Program |
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Renewable Energy |
Department of Commerce
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Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development |
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Additional Revolving Loan Funds
for Region |
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Department of Commerce Program
Changes |
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Sawyer County Economic
Development |
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Sustainable Tourism Business
Workshop 2008 |
Department of Corrections
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Increased Treatment
Alternatives & Diversions (TAD) Funding
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Leah's Law
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State Prisoners in the Douglas
County Jail
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Department of
Health & Family Services
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Access to Dental Care
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Assistive Technology
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Human Services Transportation
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Long Term Care Reform Initiative
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Medical Assistance Transportation
Volunteer Drivers Prior Authorizations
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Mental Health & WI Medical
Assistance Program Rates
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Public Assistance Proof of
Citizenship Alternatives
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Department of Natural Resources
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Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development |
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Illegalization of Transporting
Prohibited Aquatic Invasive Species |
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Ballast Water Research Progress
Report |
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Development of the North
Country Scenic Trail |
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Increase Boat Inspections at Great
Lakes Boat Landings |
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Increase the Number of
Professional Field Staff in NW WI |
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Pattison State Park Project |
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Renewable Energy |
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Research Facility at the US
Geological Survey Vessel Dock Site in Ashland |
Department of Public
Instruction
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Funding for School Liaison Officers
in NW WI Public Schools
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Funding for Transportation in NW WI
Public Schools
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Support for Specific Classroom
Courses & Curriculum
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Department of Tourism
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Development of the North
Country Scenic Trail |
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Sustainable Tourism Business
Workshop |
Department of Transportation
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Integration of Truck, Rail, and
Lake Transportation |
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Madeline Island Road
Improvements |
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Paving of Road Access to the
Northern WI Veteran's Memorial Cemetery |
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Rail Road Crossing Safety
Funding |
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Rural Public Transportation |
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US Highway 2 Expansion |
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US Highway 2 & 13 Intersection
Safety |
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US Highway 13 Passing Lanes |
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US Highway 53 Safety Team |
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US Highway 63 Reconstruction
within the City of Spooner |
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Weather Indicator Signs for WI US
Highway 53 in Superior Entering the Blatnik Bridge |
Department of Veterans
Affairs
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Northwest Wisconsin Homeless
Veterans |
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Northwest Wisconsin Veteran Long
Term Health Care |
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Paving of Road Access to the
Northern WI Veteran's Memorial Cemetery |
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Veterans Nursing Home in Douglas
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UPDATE TO THE
VETERANS NURSING HOME IN DOUGLAS COUNTY ISSUE:
Joint Finance budget action on May 2, 2007, Veteran
Affairs. Motion #63 – A show of bi-partisan unity for veterans
yielded a five page omnibus motion from all 16 JFC members. Compared
to the Governor’s budget, the motion removes $6.5 million and 24.7
new positions from the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. The
position reductions in the budget are still an increase of 22.5 new
positions, including 15 at the Veterans Home at King. The
motion deleted $35,000 for the study of a new veteran’s cemetery in
the Fox Valley, and $75,000 for the development of a master plan for
future DVA capital construction projects. In addition, $65,000 for
the study of a veteran’s home in Superior was re-directed to study
long-term health care needs of veterans in Douglas County. The
motion increases the agency's bonding authority for its primary
mortgage loan program by an $35 million more than the governor's
recommendation, raising the department's total borrowing authority
for the program to $2,200,840,000. The motion also continued
“Mission Welcome Home,” which was scheduled to sunset.
Department of Workforce
Development
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Prevailing Wage |
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Sustainability of the Crex Meadows
Youth Conservation Camp |
UPDATE TO THE
SUSTAINABILITY OF THE CREX MEADOWS YOUTH CONSERVATION CAMP ISSUE:
Senator Bob Jauch introduced a motion to the
Joint Finance Committee for 1 year of funding for the Crex Camp-
potentially coming from the Youth Apprenticeship Program. The motion
failed on a party vote of 8-8. However Senator Jauch has not given
up and continues to explore other ways to sustain the camp. We
appreciate his support and faith in this project!
Office of the
Commissioner of Railroads
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Railroad Crossing Safety
Funding |
University of
Wisconsin-Extension
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Increase the Number of
Professional Field Staff in NW WI |
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University of WI-Extension Criminal Justice
Specialists |
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Wisconsin Public Television
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WI Housing & Economic Development Assoc. (WHEDA)
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City Center Project |
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HDC Project at East Junior High
School Site |
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New York Building |
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Superior Paint the Town |
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Visitable Housing |
AGENCY ISSUE
DETAILS
<CLICK ON
UNDERLINED ISSUES FOR DETAILS .>
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ACT 420 Revisions
| The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
that the Legislature makes amendments to the recently passed
Library Organization and Funding Bill (Act 420).
Specifically:
1. Make library reimbursements exempt from the levy cap.
2. Phase in reimbursements over three years using a 33%, 66% and
100% reimbursement formula.
Reasons for Request: Act 420
provides for adjacent counties to be reimbursed for out of county
library usage. Up until this point inter-county library
reimbursements were not mandated.
The impact of this law will be to increase our out of district
county disbursements of library aid to specific libraries and in
some cases reduce library aid to other libraries.
In Northwest Wisconsin the impact will vary between $5,000 and
$75,000. In those counties that contribute at the 70% level this
will be an increase in county payments. In counties that
contribute above the 70% rate, this may result in a decrease in
current library contributions in order to comply with current levy
limits in addition to significant increases in library payments
overall.
In Bayfield County the 2% levy limit provided for an additional
$158,000 in tax levy. If the county were to maintain funding of
existing libraries and fund other libraries the additional payment
would be nearly $75,000 or 50% of the current cap.
Our request is two fold:
1. Remove library funding from the levy cap.
2. Phase in the new legislation over a three year term, one third
each year.
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Access to Dental Care
| Access to dental care for low income uninsured
and public program residents is severely limited in Douglas County
and the surrounding area.
Background: Shortage of dentists,
historically low Medicaid payments, and few safety net providers
has been the situation in Northwestern Wisconsin for many years.
The existing dental care delivery system works for the majority of
the population, but is failing to meet the needs of low income or
uninsured individuals in this state. Private dental practices and
group practices are filled to capacity with patients who are
insured or who are able to pay out-of-pocket for the services they
obtain. The current system of dental delivery is ill-equipped to
provide the services necessary for populations that have
historically lacked access to care. The medically underserved,
when they do find a dental access point, are often in need of
time-consuming and costly restorative care, and are often in need
of enabling services such as interpretation services,
transportation, and case management. Providers who work with these
populations have an acute awareness and sensitivity to the
socioeconomic and cultural barriers that these folks experience in
daily life and in obtaining appropriate and ongoing health care.
In late 2005 the Lake Superior Community Health
Center opened a dental clinic specifically to serve low income,
public program and uninsured residents of the area. This dental
clinic has a current capacity of approximately 480 dental visits
per month. While an excellent addition to our area, the clinic
does not have sufficient capacity to meet the level of need in the
area for dental access. Ways to expand dental access still are
critical in Northwestern Wisconsin.
Proposed Action: The State of Wisconsin needs to
attract and retain more dentists, many of whom would gladly work
in Health Centers, helping the underserved with their oral health
needs. The state Legislature should enact legislation in 2007 that
would:
• Recognize the valid licenses earned by
dentists who come from other states or countries;
• Recognize all regional dental exams so that trained dentists can
begin working in Wisconsin soon and easier;
• Allow foreign-trained dentists to be licensed in Wisconsin to
take advantage of the skill and expertise earned by the global
workforce;
• Create a tuition subsidy for in-state students who desire to
treat underserved populations and Medicaid patients for a time
after graduation; and
• Expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists so they can
better treat Health Center patients.
• Expand funding to Community Health Centers specifically targeted
to dental access expansion
• Provide ongoing state funding subsidy to Community Health
Centers to help support sliding fee dental care for low income
uninsured residents
• Support Governor Doyle’s initiatives to expand dental access.
Specifically:
1. Governor Doyle’s request to spend almost $4
million of the State’s newly received federal income augmentation
funds into one-time competitive grants to support dental access
initiatives.
2. BadgerCare Plus budget proposal, in which the
Governor is proposing to spend $8.8 million to support creative
approaches and solutions to the dental crisis for low-income and
underserved populations, with a particular focus on children.
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Additional Revolving Loan Funds
for Region
| The Citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
that the Department of Commerce agree to maintain a balance of not
less than $1,000,000 in the NW Regional Loan Funds Program.
Background:
• The Regional Revolving Loan fund in
Northwest Wisconsin is the first in the state. The Regional
program has seven counties participating. Each county contributed
their funds. The counties contributions totaled $5,000,000.
• Cash on hand available for lending was $2.3 million. Over the
past 5 months the Regional Loan Fund has lent out over $1.1
million or nearly 50% of the balance. This has met and exceeded
expectations of both the Regional Board and the Department of
Commerce.
• As additional loans are in the works and in anticipation of
future business development the fund would like to have assurances
that adequate balances to provide future loans will be available.
• Our request is for the Department of Commerce to guarantee a
minimum of $1,000,000 to be provided for regional loans. This
funding minimum would go into effect whenever Regional Fund
balances were projected to drop below $750,000 or 15% of total
funds.
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Ashland Agriculture Research
Station Maintenance Funding
| The Citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
that the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection (DATCP) support the maintenance of land and buildings
at the Ashland Agriculture Research Facility in Bayfield County
through appropriation of $50,000. These funds will be used to hire
a maintenance person, to lease or purchase equipment and to
provide needed supplies to maintain and prevent deterioration of
the buildings and grounds. This maintenance will enable Ashland
and Bayfield Counties to establish a plan for restoration of the
research functions through a coalition of individuals and
organizations representing the agro-forestry sector.
Background:
• The Agricultural Station has provided
important support for the agriculture sector NW Wisconsin economy
for nearly 100 years.
• Decline in markets for agricultural products including dairy has
reduced the agriculture sector of the NW Wisconsin economy to a
fraction of what it once was.
• The College of Agriculture and Life Science at UW-Madison has
decided to no longer utilize the Station for future research
efforts.
• The University has exercised a quit claim transferring the land
and buildings to custody of Ashland and Bayfield Counties.
• Both Ashland and Bayfield Counties have agreed to accept the
land but are not positioned financially to provide an
appropriation to maintain the
property.
• Research is needed to rebuild potential economic uses for
agriculture and forest land in our area of Wisconsin.
• A coalition involving several dozen individuals and several
organizations have actively supported county acquisition of the
Station land and buildings in order to restore a research,
education and outreach function at the site.
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Assistive Technology
| The Citizens of Northwest Wisconsin wish to
request that the Department of Health and Family Services continue
to support AT options that enhance the independence of People with
Disabilities.
The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin recognize
the importance of Assistive Technology in allowing citizens to
gain and maintain independence and realize the American dream. A
long time supporter of WisTech, Wisloan, Telework, Agrability and
other initiatives we implore the state to embrace the
reauthorization of the Assistive Technology Act with zeal.
Assistive Technology represents freedom for consumers and cost
savings for communities especially with the advent of LTC
redesign.
Possible Action:
Independent Living Center’s Assistive Technology programs are a
vital resource. The under funded program consistently has
increased demand, especially with the advent of LTC redesign.
Support the initiatives that will enable ILC’s to have 1 FTE
position devoted to Assistive Technology.
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Ballast Water Research Progress
Report |
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City Center Project |
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Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development
| The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
that the legislature provide targeted support to the Coalition for
Eco-Industrial Development (CEID) as a strategic regional partner
in the state’s bio-economy initiatives
The Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development is
organized to enable the region to realize:
• significant progress toward a bio-based
economy
• new eco-industrial development and growth
• commercialization of clean technologies and eco-based ventures
• eco-efficiency improvements for existing industries
• improved energy security
• a leadership role for eco-industrial development that can be
multiplied in other areas of the state
Background
Interest in eco-industrial
development has been gaining momentum in northwest Wisconsin and
northeast Minnesota over the past ten years. It has long been seen
as a type of development that is uniquely suited to the area’s
resource-based economy. While the region may be characterized by a
relative lack of population concentrations and proximity to major
development corridors, eco-industrial development represents a
path where the region’s economic expansion can match the promise
of its resources.
A regional task force, with start-up support
from the Knight Foundation, was established in late 2004 to put
the initial pieces in place to move eco-industrial development
from concept to practice. These have included creation of the
Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development (CEID), initial baseline
research and data collection, and the targeted support of
potential eco-industrial projects.
“Industrial ecology is the
study of the flows of materials and energy in industrial
and consumer activities, of the effects of these flows on the
environment, and of the influences of economic, political,
regulatory, and social factors on the flow, use, and
transformation of resources” (Robert White, President, National
Academy of Engineering, 1994).
Eco-Industrial Development
involves “networks of businesses that work with each other
and in conjunction with their communities to improve resource
productivity, expand markets, eliminate pollution, and catalyze
economic growth through enhanced profits, wages, and local
investment” (North American Eco-Industrial Development Council,
2003).
“Phase One” Momentum
The recent creation of the Coalition
for Eco-Industrial Development is the culmination of a number of
important first steps that have already been taken:
• identifying opportunities and providing
project-specific assistance to emerging ventures—including market
planning and site plan development for Elkhorn Industries at
Connors Point in Superior as part of a “design charrette”
• initiating the development of key baseline
information—real estate assessment, marketing approaches, regional
industrial site profiles, regional energy profile, inventory of
eco-industries
• identifying and educating regional
stakeholders—meetings and presentations, sponsorship of two
regional “eco-industrial forums”
• gaining commitment and support from local
governments—City of Superior, Douglas County, City of Duluth, St.
Louis County
• capacity building and technical support from
state government—Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• developing a draft business plan for the
Coalition for Eco-Industrial Development—collaboratively forming
an implementation process and plan
Next Steps – “Phase Two”
The Coalition for Eco-Industrial
Development is prepared to play a key role in the transformation
of the area’s manufacturing, agricultural, and natural resource
economy as part of the state’s next wave of initiatives focused on
bio-based development. It will do this by providing organized and
targeted “intellectual capital” and specialized knowledge to
support new high performance industries. This will, out of
necessity, be a collaborative effort with private, public, and
nonprofit sector participation as well as a regional effort that
will cut across city, county, and state boundaries. Partnering
with the State of Wisconsin, through its various agencies and
legislatively, will be a critical element in a successful
eco-industrial strategy.
The Coalition’s strategic framework to develop
regional capacity and implement an eco-industrial development
initiative is focused on these key objectives during “Phase Two”
over the next five years:
• promote the development of eco-industrial
parks and infrastructure to support high-performing industries
• provide assistance to businesses and local governments in
adopting eco-efficient strategies and technologies
• expand and formalize the regional eco-industrial network
• fully develop analytical tools for identifying efficiencies and
market opportunities
• capture opportunities through regional “eco-branding”
During this start-up period, the Coalition will
require:
• funding and related support from a range of private, public, and
nonprofit sources
• a small professional staff to help facilitate and support the
effort
• access to specialized expertise and resources from partner
businesses, organizations, and local and state governments
With this legislative issue for Superior Days
2007, we want legislators to be aware of our recent progress with
and future intentions for regional eco-industrial development. We
look forward to working closely and strategically with the state
and playing a key role in its evolving bio-economy, bio-industry,
bio-energy, and bio-mass initiatives during the upcoming biennium.
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Department of Commerce Program
Changes
| The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
that an avenue for public input as part of the process of changes
to Department of Commerce programs be allowed so that anyone
affected by these changes may have the opportunity to comment
before the changes are implemented.
Over the course of time, changes to programs and
policies are necessary to ensure that the programs remain
efficient, and meet the goals and objectives of the program. This
is true of the programs administered by the Department of
Commerce. These changes are implemented with no solicited response
from organizations or agencies, which are affected by these
changes.
Therefore we are asking an avenue for public
input as part of the process of changes to Department of Commerce
programs, to allow anyone affected by these changes to comment
before the changes are implemented. In the past, anyone affected
by these changes and the people in the field have had little or no
input into the changes implemented by the Department of Commerce.
Due to the diversity of economic development and the diversity of
regions within the State of Wisconsin, no single approach to
economic development will work statewide.
The programs that the Economic Development
professionals work with have to be flexible to be able to work in
different parts of the State. What works in Madison, does not
always work in Northwest Wisconsin. We are only asking that we
have some input prior to any changes that take place. If a program
is not working, ask the people in the field why. Lets work
together to make the State of Wisconsin a better place to do
business.
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Development of the North
Country National Scenic Trail
| Request:
Assistance from the State of Wisconsin for development of the
North Country National Scenic Trail across northern Wisconsin.
Reason for Request:
The North Country Trail Association is seeking
assistance from the State of Wisconsin for development of the
North Country National Scenic Trail across northern Wisconsin.
The North Country National Scenic Trail was
authorized by Congress in 1980 and is one of eight national scenic
trails. It is a long distance hiking trail similar to the famed
Appalachian Trail, but crossing the northern tier of states from
New York to North Dakota. The trail will be 4,600 miles long when
completed; 1,700 miles are currently certified by the National
Park Service. The Park Service administers the seven state trail
from an office in Madison, Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, 117 miles of trail are complete
out of a future total of 220 miles. The first section of the North
Country Trail was completed in the Chequamegon National Forest in
the 1960s. Trail development was dormant for many years, but was
revived in the mid-90s through the efforts of the Park Service and
the North Country Trail Association, the supporting citizen group.
There are now North Country Trail Association chapters in the
Hurley, Mellen, and Douglas County areas. Volunteers from these
chapters have built 40 miles of trail over the past six years.
Wisconsin is home to two National Scenic Trails.
The State of Wisconsin is currently supporting development and
promotion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail through an annual
$75,000 allocation (Chapter 23.295, Wisconsin Statutes). We
propose comparable funding for the North Country National Scenic
Trail to benefit northern Wisconsin recreation, tourism, and
conservation.
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Funding for Transportation in NW
WI Public Schools
| The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
assistance in funding or alternative funding sources for
transportation services in our public schools. This issue is
especially vital to the small, rural schools found throughout
Northwest Wisconsin.
Situation Statement:
• State pupil transportation aid is
based on a flat rate formula and determined under the provision of
s.121.58, Wis. Stats. School districts that furnish transportation
to and from public and nonpublic schools are entitled to receive
state aid at the following rates:
| Distance in Miles |
Regular Year |
Summer School |
| less than 2 miles (hazardous
area) |
$12/pupil |
-- |
| 2-5 miles |
$30/pupil |
$4/pupil |
| over 5 up to 8 miles |
$45/pupil |
$6/pupil |
| over 8 up to 12 miles |
$82/pupil |
$6/pupil |
| over 12 miles |
$150/pupil |
$6/pupil |
Distances are measured from the pupil's
residence to the school attended; following the shortest commonly
traveled route. Half payment is made for pupils enrolled and
transported less than 91 days (regular year) or 16 days (summer
school).
• The flat rate formula can fail to recognize
cost variations resulting from density, road conditions,
prevailing wages, frequency of stops, traffic congestion, and fuel
prices. Because variables are not as clearly accounted for, such
formulas tend to underfund the smallest districts and large urban
districts. While a fixed rate system is simple to calculate and
administer (for both the state and school districts), in most
cases, it results in larger differences between formula funding
and actual transportation costs.
• Nearly all school districts in Northwest
Wisconsin are small, sparsely populated, and face transportation
challenges. Those shrinking transportation dollars have forced
school districts to discontinue afterschool activity busing,
busing for extra-curricular activities, and alter bus routes.
Every county in Northwest Wisconsin, save one, has over 40% of
their youth eligible for free and reduced lunches. Our communities
suffer from lower incomes when compared to other areas of the
state and combined with already high property taxes, it is
virtually impossible to provide enough local tax revenue for our
schools.
How can students work with the Department of
Public Instruction to advocate for some type of transportation
funding assistance or resources to reverse this trend in the
schools of Northwest Wisconsin?
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Funding for School Liaison
Officers in NW WI Public Schools
| The citizens of Northwest Wisconsin request
assistance in funding for School Liaison Officer positions in our
public schools. This would be a pilot program for the State of
Wisconsin to develop a dedicated effort to combine Federal and
State resources into an ongoing and effective program.
Background:
Federal funding has been reduced significantly for this much
needed COPS in School program. Our communities suffer from lower
incomes when compared to many other areas of WI. Combined with
already high property taxes in Northwest Wisconsin this makes it
virtually impossible to provide enough local tax revenue for
School Liaison Officers on an ongoing basis.
Whether referred to as a School Liaison Officer,
COPS in School Officer or a School Resource Officer, these
positions are necessary in order to provide a safe and high
quality education for our 21st Century children.
When we look at school violence in our country,
we understand that providing all the tools for prevention most
certainly be more beneficial than having a tragic episode. School
Liaison Officers:
• Provide a community oriented policing philosophy.
• Help develop and implement programs aimed at reducing truancy,
drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and violence.
• Serve as law enforcement, law-related educators, problem
solvers, and as a community liaison.
• Teach classes in crime prevention, substance abuse awareness and
gang resistance.
• And also help develop school policies that address criminal
activity and school safety.
In Bayfield, we have seen a significant
reduction in unacceptable behavior since instituting our School
Liaison Officer position in 1999, although we are not yet where we
would like to be. There is tremendous support from parents and
staff to continue this worthwhile program in the Bayfield Schools.
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HDC Project at East Junior High
School Site |
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Human Services Transportation
| Transportation is identified as a fundamental
component of service under the new long term care management
scheme currently under considerations by our region’s nine-county
consortium. Yet many rural residents here have access only to
volunteer driver transportation which often doesn’t provide
lift-equipped vehicles necessary for people with disabilities. In
addition, the recently completed state-wide transportation
provider survey shows only a small number of specialized
transportation providers for Northwest Wisconsin. Many of these
will not make short trips, even to medical facilities.
During the summer of 2006 the Wisconsin DOT had
Northwest Regional Planning bring together transportation
stakeholders for each of 10 Northwest Wisconsin counties to
develop Public Transit Human Services Transportation Coordination
Plans.
The county plans agree strongly that:
• Better access to transportation will result if transportation
programs are able to pool resources and coordinate services,
• Rider specific eligibility requirements and funding make
coordination difficult to accomplish.
DHFS can provide significant leadership for
change to address these issues:
• maximize flexibility for both riders and providers, fast-track
all certifications, and streamline eligibility to encourage new
and expanded transportation capacity to support a viable
long-term-care infrastructure
• maximize department support for regional (multi-county,
multi-provider) coordination through the inter-agency coordinating
council on transportation
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