County staff seeks input on draft infrastructure chapter of comprehensive plan

County planning (CPZ) staff presented an initial draft of Chapter 8 (Infrastructure) of the Marathon County comprehensive plan and asked the Infrastructure Committee for early input before a full draft is prepared for public comment.

Staff said they are updating the chapter to include recent studies and plans (materials begin on page 90 of the committee packet), add county road maintenance details including PACER ratings and equipment needs, and capture airport master‑plan updates and facility projects. The draft also expands sections on stormwater management and utilities, documents interest and activity related to wind and solar development and renewable natural gas at the county solid waste facility, and updates telecommunications/broadband material to reflect ongoing BEAD (federal broadband) application processes and recent local developments.

In solid waste, staff added that Area B closed in 2024 and that the Bluebird Ridge landfill site opened in the past year; they also noted a renewable natural gas plant is being developed at the solid waste facility and that PFAS will be an ongoing issue for leachate management and acceptable landfill inputs. On transit, staff said regional conversations continue about serving seniors and demand‑response versus fixed‑route service; airport staff raised the need to remain competitive with smaller regional airports and noted revenue guarantees are used elsewhere to retain air service.

Staff sought only initial comments and asked the committee to submit additional feedback by email; staff will bring the chapter to the executive committee next and refine a full draft for public review later this summer.