In a recent meeting held by the Village of Ashwaubenon, significant discussions centered around the ongoing shoreline stabilization project at Ashwaubomay Park, which is being funded through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) grant. This project aims to enhance wildlife viewing areas and is currently in progress, although it faces challenges due to a freeze on NRDA funding at the federal level.

The meeting highlighted a new funding mechanism discovered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Due to federal restrictions on direct funding to municipalities, the DNR has found a workaround. Under this new approach, the DNR can request NRDA funds directly, allowing municipalities to pay for project expenses upfront and then seek reimbursement from the DNR within a 30-day period. This method is expected to streamline the funding process and keep the shoreline stabilization project on track.

The Village Board is set to review this revised funding mechanism soon, with discussions already underway to ensure the project continues to progress. However, officials indicated that the project may not be fully realized until 2026 or 2027, depending on the availability of funds and the completion of necessary approvals.

Additionally, the meeting touched on plans to create a mini park within the entertainment district, which aims to enhance community recreational spaces. This initiative reflects the village's commitment to improving local amenities and fostering community engagement.

Overall, the discussions from the meeting underscore the village's proactive approach to managing environmental projects and enhancing public spaces, despite the complexities posed by federal funding limitations. As the Village Board prepares to address these topics, the community can anticipate further developments in both the shoreline stabilization efforts and the creation of new recreational areas.