EAGLE RIVER – Governor Jim Doyle today announced an economic development plan to grow the economy of Northern Wisconsin – by helping communities redevelop waterfronts to revitalize areas and bring new economic growth, providing $5.9 million in tax credits to expand cell phone and high speed Internet access for 75,000 Northern Wisconsin citizens, and promoting tourism across the region to drive the economy.
“Our Northwoods are home to some of the most beautiful places on earth, and filled with opportunities to be an even bigger economic engine for the state,” Governor Doyle said. “To continue growing the state economy, we must work from region to region, and develop efforts tailored to local communities – the businesses, the hardworking citizens and families, and especially the area’s natural setting and resources. The Northwoods have been one of our state’s greatest assets throughout Wisconsin’s history, and with these efforts, it will continue to drive our economy in the future.”
During a roundtable discussion with business leaders and local officials, as well as Commerce Secretary Mary Burke and Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble, Governor Doyle outlined the plan to grow the economy of Northern Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Waterfront Initiative
Northern Wisconsin is home to thousands of rivers, lakes and streams. Revitalizing these waterfronts could hold great economic promise for the region and the entire state. Under Governor Doyle’s initiative, communities can go to one spot to marshal resources from the entire state to develop waterfronts.
The Department of Commerce will be the guiding force for communities, channeling resources from the Department of Tourism, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Administration, the Historical Society, and the Commission of Public lands. Governor Doyle’s initiative will target all of these state resources to create a one stop shop for communities looking to develop waterfronts and bring new energy to local economies.
Expanding Cell Phone and Internet Access
For businesses, entrepreneurs, and families in Northern Wisconsin to be successful, they need access to cell phone and high speed Internet service. Governor Doyle is providing $7.5 million in sales tax exemptions and tax credits for businesses to expand broadband access, including $5.9 million for projects to bring cell phone and high speed Internet service to 75,000 customers in Northern Wisconsin. Seven businesses have been certified to expand broadband access in Northern Wisconsin – 130 project areas in 21 counties.
Northern Economic Development Conference
To drive Northern Wisconsin’s tourism industry, Governor Doyle will hold a Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Conference in mid November with local businesses, citizens and elected officials – providing ideas, networking opportunities and other tools to help grow the economy of Northern Wisconsin – building on the region’s tourism industry and developing other economic development opportunities.
This is part of Governor Doyle’s broad plan to grow Wisconsin’s state economy – from investing in industries, businesses and workers, to investing in education and providing access to affordable, comprehensive health care, Governor Doyle is creating opportunity for all hardworking Wisconsin citizens, and ensuring a bright future for Wisconsin.
