GREEN BAY – Vowing to “protect and ensure” Wisconsin’s infrastructure, Gov. Tony Evers Tuesday pledged $1.2 million of state money to fix the beleaguered Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge in downtown Green Bay.
The $1.2 million allocation requires the approval of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee. Evers also included $1.2 million in his previous budget, but the amount ultimately was rejected by the committee.
“It’s no surprise repairs are needed” to the bridge, Evers said. The bridge connects Main and Dousman streets across the Fox River on the northern edge of the city’s downtown business district. “We have the funds to do it … it’s time to get this done.”
RELATED:Green Bay Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge to be closed four weeks in January
Evers made the announcement at the Neville Public Museum, which overlooks the bridge from the city’s west side, to an audience of local officials, media and assorted supporters. The bridge is sometimes called the Main Street bridge.
Mayor Eric Genrich said the money to repair the bridge is desperately needed. Repairs “have been debated and discussed for many years,” Genrich said, but the span “could fail at any day.”
Email Doug Schneider at DSchnider@Gannett.com, call him at (920) 265-2070 and follow him on Twitter @PGDougSchneider
