State Building Commission approves $302.3M in new debt authority and dozens of project authorizations

MADISON — The State Building Commission on Aug. 6 approved a series of resolutions and project authorizations that together clear funding and construction authority for a broad slate of state facilities and programs.

Naomi De Mers, secretary to the commission, opened the meeting and requested approval of the May 7 minutes; Sen. André Jacque moved to approve and Sen. Brad Pfaff seconded. The minutes were approved by recorded vote 8-0-0.

In the meeting’s most consequential action, the commission adopted the “2025 State of Wisconsin Building Commission Resolution 5,” which grants certain state agencies new debt authority not to exceed $302,291,300 and continuation of previously approved authority not to exceed $807,011,505 to be funded by subsequent issuances of general obligation debt. Sen. Mary Felzkowski moved the measure and Sen. André Jacque seconded; the motion carried.

The commission also approved Resolution 6, authorizing the sale and issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $297,665,000 to fund construction, grants and land acquisition statewide. Sen. André Jacque moved and Sen. Mary Felzkowski seconded; the motion carried.

On transportation finance, the commission authorized the sale of State of Wisconsin Transportation Revenue Obligations up to $50,000,000 (Resolution 7) after a motion by Rep. Rob Swearingen and a second from Rep. Robert Wittke. The commission likewise approved the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Administration’s Environmental Improvement Fund 2025–27 biennial finance plan under the statutory process cited in the agenda; the motion was moved by Sen. André Jacque and seconded by Sen. Mary Felzkowski. Both motions carried.

The commission cleared numerous agency project requests and design reports, most by unanimous votes and with limited debate. Highlights include:

- A no-cost transfer of a 79.9-acre parcel at the Northern Wisconsin Center in Chippewa Falls from the Department of Health Services to the Department of Military Affairs (moved by Sen. Brad Pfaff).

- Approval of design and construction authority for the State Capitol Sidewalk and Storm Water Piping Renovation, estimated at $6,400,000 (enumerated in 2023 Wis. Act 19).

- Multiple all-agency maintenance and repair packages, including parking ramp plumbing/concrete repair ($2,697,300 PRSB) and envelope/window repairs ($2,944,200 PRSB).

- ADA improvements at Fox Lake Correctional Institution estimated at $4,099,000 (enumerated in 2023 Wis. Act 19).

- Approval for a privately owned snowmaking equipment pump house at Granite Peak Ski Area on state land under Wis. Stats. s.13.48(12).

- Peninsula State Park Tennison Bay toilet/shower building renovations (estimated $3,571,600 SEG REV) and multiple forestry and park projects including a Washburn Ranger Station replacement ($4,449,000 CON SEGB) and combined Lemay Forestry Center fire-response and fabrication facilities ($7,071,600 CON SEGB).

- A package of University of Wisconsin System authorizations, including release of $13,344,700 for the 2023–25 Multi-Building Demolition Program and approvals for central plant and minor facilities renewal projects with line-item funding details recorded in the agenda.

The meeting record shows each item was moved and seconded by named commissioners (motions and seconders are recorded in the agenda) and were carried by the commission; vote tallies are recorded on the minutes where provided (commonly 8-0-0 or 4-0-0 for subcommittee notations). Where projects referenced statutory or legislative enumerations, those citations are recorded in the agenda (for example, 2023 Wisconsin Act 19 and 2023 Wisconsin Act 102).

With no further business, the commission adjourned at 2:45 p.m. Minutes are subject to ratification at the next State Building Commission meeting.