MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), recently announced $50 million for 71 projects in communities across Wisconsin funded through the Non-State Grant Program, which was created in the 2023-25 Biennial Budget enacted by Gov. Evers. This program works to support local infrastructure improvement and community development projects across the state that have a public purpose. These grants will be voted on to be approved at the upcoming Wisconsin State Building Commission meeting, which the governor chairs, on Wed., May 13.

“Whether it’s expanding libraries, upgrading essential services facilities, or revitalizing museums and cultural institutions for Wisconsinites and visitors alike to enjoy, these non-state grants will help support the success and overall well-being of kids, families, and communities all across the state,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m proud of our work to secure funding for this important program in the last two budgets I signed, and I look forward to the State Building Commission joining me in supporting this good work by releasing the $50 million in funding for these critical building projects so our communities can continue to grow and thrive.”

Gov. Evers has made building strong, safe, and resilient communities a top priority and is committed to ensuring the state’s infrastructure, workforce, and economy are prepared to meet the needs of the 21st Century. The Non-State Grant Program was originally created with a $50 million allocation of state funding as part of the 2023-25 Biennial Budget signed into law by Gov. Evers. To date, the Non-State Grant Program has supported 50 community projects statewide, including local health clinics, community centers, libraries, veterans organizations, emergency response facilities, and more.

The original $50 million Non-State Grant Program came in addition to another $36.6 million investment by Gov. Evers using the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to support five non-state building projects in Janesville, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Door County that were previously rejected by members of the Wisconsin State Legislature in the 2023-25 Capital Budget process.

Building upon these efforts, the bipartisan 2025-27 Biennial Budget signed into law by Gov. Evers continued funding for this critical program with another $50 million investment to continue serving communities across the state.

This announcement also comes as, in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, the governor has been traveling around the state this week, highlighting Wisconsin’s thriving travel and tourism industry and recognizing the industry’s contributions to the state’s economy, workforce, and quality of life. The governor’s travel included visits to projects that are expected to receive support through this round of the Non-State Grant Program, including the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Mitchell Park Domes, the Yerkes Observatory, and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Among the recipients:

● $108,000 to the Swiss Center of North America for the New Glarus Glarner Community Complex;

● $1 million to the city of Shullsburg for the revitalization of the Badger Mine & Museum.

The Building Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and made up of the following members: State Sen. Brad Pfaff; State Sen. Mary Felzkowski; State Sen. André Jacque; State Rep. Jill Billings; State Rep. Rob Swearingen; State Rep. Robert Wittke; and citizen member Barb Worcester.