Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Valley Creek topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Port Washington council approves grant submissions for Valley Creek resilience projects
Summary
The council voted to submit two National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant applications for Valley Creek: a $365,000 Sustain Our Great Lakes design grant (with $365,000 TID 5 match) and a near-$5 million Coastal Resiliency construction application with a proposed $5 million local match (partially from a Vantage grant and TID 5).
The Port Washington Common Council on June 26 voted to submit two grant applications seeking federal partner funding for multi-phase Valley Creek improvements aimed at flood reduction and stormwater conveyance.
Council approved staff recommendations to apply to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sustain Our Great Lakes program for a $365,000 grant to design and construct a regenerative stormwater conveyance system, with a proposed local match of $365,000 drawn from TID 5. Roger, presenting the project, said the Valley Creek work can be phased, allowing grant requests to target shovel-ready elements.
Council separately approved submission of a National Coastal Resiliency Fund application seeking approximately $5 million for construction of phase one of Valley Creek improvements. Staff proposed a $5 million local match, supported by an existing $2.4 million Vantage grant earmarked for natural resource projects and an additional $2.6 million from TID 5 financing. Roger noted the pre-application had been accepted and the city was invited to submit a full application.
Several alderpersons pressed for clearer timelines, a final cost breakdown and a visual, phased plan showing what each grant-funded component would deliver. “I’ve been hearing about Valley Creek for three-plus years,” said Alderwoman Pastel, “and I have yet to see a timeline, a final cost breakdown, and I kind of would have expected that by now.” Mr. Gasper and other members said 60% design work is available now and that staff plan to present complete project-scoping and financial details at upcoming public-works and finance meetings.
Melissa (staff) told the council the city will scope the project’s phases, map which grant would pay for each piece and return with estimated total costs so the council can evaluate TID commitments before final construction approvals. The council approved both motions by voice vote; submission of grant applications does not obligate the city to accept awards or to commit final matching funds until future approvals.
If awarded, the grants would fund engineering and construction steps intended to reduce downtown flooding and protect the water-treatment plant, a priority several council members emphasized when discussing where Valley Creek fits among city spending.
