Gov. Jim Doyle signed an executive order for the creation of an Office of Recovery and Reinvestment Friday, announcing the initial steps Wisconsin will take toward remedying its economic woes.
The new office will allocate federal funds from the impending federal stimulus bill toward job creation, the building of roads and bridges and the creation of green-energy jobs, according to Doyle.
This new group will start laying the groundwork for quickly moving the federal stimulus money out the door to maintain jobs, to create new jobs and to invest in economic growth in the state,"" Doyle said.
Doyle announced his appointment of Madison Gas and Electric Chairman, President and CEO Gary Wolter as the head of the new office. Wolter will work on a voluntary basis.
Alan Fish, UW-Madison associate vice chancellor of facilities, planning and management, will work as Wolter's deputy.
""In my career, when I look at activities that I can participate in, I look for things that are important, things that matter, and this is certainly one that is at the top of the list,"" Wolter said about his appointment.
Wolter, though his experience lies primarily in the private sector, said he is confident he can draw upon his past experiences in an effort to create jobs and jump-start the economy.
According to Doyle, working with the private sector and fully understanding Wisconsin's labor capacity will be important factors in determining success.
Doyle indicated the selection of local projects will be a primary duty of the new office and promised coordination between his new office and local governments and municipalities.
""We're going to have to make some hard choices about priorities and selection of projects,"" Doyle said, referencing the long ""wish lists"" Wisconsin communities have provided.
Doyle said he expects the stimulus plan to include a variety of funds for educational infrastructure and technical colleges.
""While the specifics of the federal stimulus are still in development, it is essential that we have a mechanism in place that can deploy these resources when they become available in a fast, efficient way,"" Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville, said in a statement.
Doyle expects an estimated $2 billion dollar inflow from the federal government in the coming months. Looking ahead, he said, ""It is clear we are going to be very, very busy in the state of Wisconsin.
