Governor Jim Doyle today presented a Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant to De Pere Mayor Michael Walsh. The state grant provides funding to enhance rail services critical to the expansion of Green Bay Packaging Inc. facilities in De Pere.
“Investing in quality transportation and a world-class infrastructure is vital to growing Wisconsin’s economy,” Governor Doyle said. “This public-private partnership will improve rail access to Green Bay Packaging’s new facility here in De Pere to grow its business, strengthen the community, and retain and add quality new jobs.”
The $615,000 TEA grant covers a portion of the costs of constructing and extending the city’s industrial lead track by 3,878 linear feet and constructing a 713-foot long rail spur to directly serve the inbound and outbound needs of Green Bay Packaging. The rail service provides a suitable site for Green Bay Packaging to expand its facilities in Wisconsin. Work on the new rail lines is currently underway.
Green Bay Packaging is making a $22 million investment 185,000 square foot state-of-the-art folding carton and coating production facility and warehouse in De Pere. The project directly and indirectly creates and retains 239 jobs, including at least 123 at Green Bay Packaging. As a result of the expansion, nearly $9.7 million in annual wages will remain in Wisconsin.
Governor Doyle thanked the City of De Pere for contributing $917,188 to meet the local matching fund requirements of the TEA program. Established in 1987, the TEA program provides 50 percent state grants, up to $1 million, to governing bodies, private businesses, and consortium partnerships for road, rail, harbor and airport projects that help create jobs or encourage business to remain and/or expand in the state. Since its creation, the TEA grant program has invested $74 million in 283 projects benefiting 308 businesses and creating 66,492 jobs in Wisconsin.
Investments in a world-class infrastructure are integral to Governor Doyle’s overall efforts to grow Wisconsin’s economy. In January, Governor Doyle released Grow Wisconsin – The Next Steps, his plan to strengthen Wisconsin’s bedrock industries and accelerate innovative new investments in future economy businesses. The Governor is committed to providing Wisconsin communities with the rail lines, airports, harbors, roads, and technological resources they need to grow.
