HUD Economic Development Initiatives

Recipient:  Fraser Shipyard
Amount: $1.5 million
Location: Superior

Description:  The Fraser Shipyard, in partnership with the state of Wisconsin, is implementing a three-phase revitalization and modernization plan.  The funding would be used to modernize the port facility to make it more efficient, safer for employees and accessible for large ships and barges.  Additionally, the money will create construction jobs and additional high-skill jobs at the shipyard.  The State of Wisconsin has committed $2 million through the Harbor Assistance Grant program and construction will begin in the spring of 2010.

Recipient: Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley
Amount:  $350,000
Location: Appleton

Description: The Emergency Shelter of Fox Valley is seeking funds to construct permanent supportive housing to chronically homeless individuals.  These units will be available for those who are homeless and mentally ill, in need of both supportive services and housing in order to become stable.  The money will help start the acquisition and development of the property.  The requested amount will be matched dollar for dollar.

Recipient: Riverfront Inc.
Amount: $850,000
Location: La Crosse

Description: Riverfront Inc is a non-profit organization which provides individuals with disabilities vocational and independent living training.  Riverfront operates three work centers which provide full mailing services for local businesses and government.  The funds would be used to construct a new facility in order to expand the business and increase the number of job opportunities for people with disabilities.

Recipient:  The Redevelopment Authority of Milwaukee
Amount:  $300,000
Location:  Milwaukee

Description: The Redevelopment Authority of Milwaukee is continuing to develop the 30^th Street Corridor in the city.  The city of Milwaukee has targeted this corridor for redevelopment of blighted properties and abandoned buildings.  The funds will be used to acquire and start the redevelopment of the Esser Paint sites.  The property will be transformed into multi-family housing with green space adjacent to the property.

Recipient: United Way of Dane County
Amount: $300,000
Location: Madison

Description: The United Way of Dane County is seeking the funds to develop supportive transitional apartments for homeless families with children.  The funds will be used to acquire and renovate an eight unit apartment building.  The families in the units will have access to an on-site community room and a case manager who will help the family transition into permanent housing.  The apartment buildings will be close to public transportation with easy access to grocery stores.  Additionally, private donations will be used to support the project in addition to the federal funds.

Recipient: Vernon Economic Development Association
Amount: $700,000
Location: Viroqua

Description: The Vernon Economic Development Association is seeking funds to rehabilitate an abandoned industrial building and develop a small business incubator.  The business incubator will provide technical support to small businesses, help with business development and house employee training programs.

Recipient: Appleton Housing Authority
Amount: $420,000
Location: Appleton

Description: The Appleton Housing Authority is seeking funds to redevelop a senior housing property which has become unlivable.  The Housing Authority acquired Washington Place from HUD to preserve 70 units of housing for seniors.  The property was not well kept by the previous owner and is now in disrepair.  In order to preserve affordable housing units for these seniors, the Appleton Housing Authority is seeking funds to build a new housing project.  The money provided will redevelop an abandoned space and create safe, accessible new housing units for the seniors currently at Washington Place.