Port Wing seeks Army Corps lease renewal, state grant to fund $150k'$239k Harbor dock project

Sharon Graham, speaking for the Planning Commission, outlined options to repair and improve the Harbor docks and told the meeting the town must renew a 25-year lease with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before it can apply for State of Wisconsin grant funds. The town was told the lease renewal fee is about $9,430 and that engineered plans, estimated at up to $10,000, will be required for a grant application. Graham said all materials used in the project would need to be made in the United States.

Janet Johnson, on behalf of the Harbor Committee, offered up to $25,000 in matching funds toward the project. Graham gave a total project cost range of $150,000 to $239,000, depending on the scope of improvements. No final scope, funding plan or timeline was adopted at the annual meeting; Graham's presentation was recorded for future grant planning.

Town officials noted the lease renewal is a prerequisite to state grant eligibility and that engineering costs would be an early outlay if the town proceeds to apply. The Harbor Committee's pledged match reduces the gap the town would need to secure from grant sources or local funds. The meeting did not record any vote authorizing immediate expenditure for engineering or lease fees; next procedural steps were not specified in the minutes.

The Planning Commission presentation framed the dock work as contingent on federal and state approvals and further local decisions; the Harbor Committee's matching offer and the stated cost range will inform future grant applications and budget discussions.