The State Street Redevelopment Project will continue improving the streetscape, creating open spaces and expanding pedestrian amenities through the 300 and 400 blocks, with added support from the Federal government in 2006.
'State Street is one of the most important streets in the city. It needs to be attractive as a focal point for the city. We've had a good partnership with the Federal government in helping fund the work, which ensures that the burden isn't entirely on Madison taxpayers,' Mayor Dave Cieslewicz's spokesperson George Twigg said. 'It was a pleasant surprise because federal funding of this type might be drying up, so we were very happy that [Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy] Baldwin was so effective.'
Baldwin and Senator Herb Kohl secured $2 million in federal funds for two development projects in Dane County earlier this month. The ongoing State Street Redevelopment Project and the county-wide Transport 2020 project will each receive $1 million from the Fiscal Year 2006 Treasury, Transportation, Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill passed Nov. 18.
'These investments in our infrastructure provide invaluable support to Madison's economic development and job creation strategies,' Cieslewicz said in a statement.
'I'm delighted that Senator Kohl and I could, once again, bring federal funds home to Madison for these important projects,' Baldwin said in a statement. 'In tight economic times, when budgets are being slashed and resources are scarce, I'm especially pleased that our advocacy for these projects was successful.'
The county-wide Transport 2020 project moves closer to a recommendation with these added federal funds in addition to the joint sponsorship between the city of Madison and Dane County.
'We can help pay for this major transportation reconstruction project with this federal money instead of just state and local money, which is huge in terms of financing the project,' said State Street Design Committee member Ald. Austin King, District 8. 'They've been meeting and deliberating for several years on Transportation 2020, coming closer to a recommendation.'
The Transport 2020 project looks to add express bus services, park-and-ride lots, commuter rails and a downtown trolley to meet the growing transportation needs of the city of Madison and Dane County.
'I am proud of the work that Congresswoman Baldwin and I have done to bring these federal funds to Madison,' Senator Kohl said in a release. 'These funds will help lessen traffic congestion and will help revitalize our historic State Street.'
