November 18, 2005

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri says that a spending bill approved by the House of Representatives on Nov. 18 included several projects of interest to Wisconsin.

"I asked for these funds in response to requests from state and local officials," Petri said. "Other members of our congressional delegation helped to secure some of the money, and I want make a point of how important it is that Wisconsin's senators and representatives give each other invaluable assistance when it comes to meeting state and local needs."

Petri said that the bill included:

• $2 million to help with the reconstruction of a Manitowoc County Airport runway. Petri had met with local airport officials who stressed the need to fix the runway;
  
  
• $2 million to help the Sheboygan County Airport to purchase land, remove obstructions and extend the north runway. "This is a top priority of the state Transportation Department, and I'm glad I was able to help," Petri said.

  Sen. Herb Kohl said, "These funds will help promote economic growth and development. I am proud of the work that Congressman Petri and I did to secure these funds for Wisconsin."
  
  

• $200,000 to aid the restoration of the historic Manitowoc County Courthouse in Manitowoc. Upon hearing the news, Lauren Reed, the Assistant Manitowoc County Executive commented, "Manitowoc County is gearing up for the 100th birthday of our historic Courthouse in 2006. What a fabulously appropriate birthday gift! The appropriation will make it possible to begin critical restoration work on the County's Courthouse: our crown jewel and the centerpiece of the City of Manitowoc's Eighth Street Historic District. The citizens of Manitowoc County would like to extend their sincere thanks to Rep. Petri and his staff."
  
  
• $100,000 to assist a private-public partnership in demolishing and cleaning up a former Mercury Marine manufacturing facility in an economically and environmentally valuable section of the City of Cedarburg, and to help with the preparation of the site for elderly housing, retail shops or mixed use facilities.