Washburn County airport gets DNR Brownfield grant for runway work
News Release Published: October 31, 2008 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Michael Prager, (608) 261-4927, or michael.prager@wisconsin.gov
MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle is sending a $19,000 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Brownfield Green Space and Public Facilities grant to Shell Lake officials to fund contaminated soil removal for runway widening at Washburn County’s only commercial airport.
“These unique grants do more than resolve contamination problems, they build stronger local economies,” Gov. Doyle said. “A project like this boosts the commercial and recreational potential of the entire county, encourages other business and community development projects and helps increase property values.”
The DNR’s Green Space Grant is one of the nation’s only programs providing opportunities for local governments to convert brownfields into long-term public benefits such as airports, parks and fire stations. Brownfields are property where known or suspected contamination hinders redevelopment.
The Shell Lake Airport cleanup will remove soil contaminated with lead and arsenic left from 30 years of trap-shooting over the runway with lead shot and clay pigeons. The contaminated soil will be placed in a designated hold area to be constructed at the airport.
Lead shot ingested by birds and other animals causes potentially fatal lead poisoning. Lead and arsenic also can leach into groundwater potentially affecting water supplies. Human exposure to lead and arsenic can lead to cancer, affect the nervous system or cause other health problems. Shell Lake will use this brownfield grant in coordination with additional funds from the state and the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the airport’s design and safety.
Applications for Green Space and Public Facilities Grants may be submitted to the DNR until Feb. 6, 2009, or until all available funds are used. Eligible applicants include tribes, cities, villages, towns, counties, redevelopment authorities, community development authorities and housing authorities. Non-profit organizations can partner with local governments. Grants may be up to $200,000, with a local match proportional to the size of the grant.
More information about the Green Space and Public Facilities Grants is available on the DNR web site at Brownfield Green Space and Public Facilities Grants. The agency recommends potential applicants schedule an informal discussion regarding the grant process before applying.
