Urged HHS to Award Federal Resources to Attract Businesses, Make Enhancements

MILWAUKEE – Today, US Senator Herb Kohl announced $687,000 in federal grant funds to revitalize the 30^th Street industrial corridor.  The resources are being made available to the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (CDC) by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

"The revitalization of Milwaukee's 30^th Street industrial corridor presents a real challenge.  A public-private partnership is essential to making the improvements needed and attracting viable businesses that can thrive and become strong employers," Kohl said.  "With these funds, critical economic development can be made to restore this area and help the city's economy grow," Kohl said. 

Specifically, Senator Kohl weighed in with HHS on behalf of the Northwest Side CDC to provide federal funds for the Milwaukee Technology Incubator Fund, which is located within the DRS Technologies Inc. facility.  The fund will help assist Paradigm Sensors, a minority-owned firm that utilizes new biodiesel technology for fleets of automobiles. It has customers that include Disney, General Motors and the city of New York.  The company will create 75 "green collar" jobs for area residents, who will be recruited and trained by the Northwest Side CDC.

Once a vibrant industrial artery running through the heart of Milwaukee's central city, the corridor and the area surrounding it have suffered significant job loss and disinvestment over the last 30 years.  The redevelopment of the corridor will help create jobs for low-income residents, reduce crime, attract businesses and employers, and address many environmental concerns. 

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