Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DOT removes US‑18 shield from Michigan Street; Forest County Potawatomi grant reimburses city share of 16th Street bridge project
Summary
DPW and DOT moved a highway designation change on Michigan Street and the committee accepted tribal reimbursement funds that reduce the city's projected local share on the 16th Street Bridge project.
The committee approved a DOT connecting‑highway designation change and related bridge accounting adjustments.
Chris of DPW said Wisconsin DOT and city staff concluded that East Michigan Street between North Milwaukee Street and the riverfront does not operate as a state trunk highway and recommended removing the US‑18 shield from that segment to allow local design priorities (pedestrian space and bike pads). The committee ordered the resolution without objection.
Jonathan Thomas (DPW) explained that the Forest County Potawatomi tribal transportation program provided funds that reimburse the city portion of the federally funded 16th Street Bridge project. He said the agreement with the tribe covers "up to $11,000,000" and that with the adjusted accounting in the subsequent resolution the city is able to back out about $8,000,000 previously budgeted for the project, freeing those funds for other 2026 bridge projects.
Committee members asked how tribal funds can be used and whether there are restrictions; Thomas said he believes the tribal transportation funds are for capital projects that direct traffic to tribal properties but would follow up on specific limitations.
What happens next: The committee ordered the files and DPW will work with DOT and the tribe to finalize accounting and compliance steps.
