The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is holding a series of public hearings around the state in the next week, and these hearings could make or break the future of high speed rail in Wisconsin.
This is our chance to stand together and send a message loud and clear to our public leaders that Wisconsin supports high speed rail.
The meetings will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and will take place in the following cities over the next week:
Thursday, Dec. 2 in Fond du Lac at UW-Fond du Lact campus, 400 University Drive in Fond du Lac.
Tuesday, Dec. 7 in Madison at the WisDOT Southwest Region Office, 2101 Wright Street
If you can't attend one of the hearings, you can still make your voice heard by signing our 'Save the Train' letter to Governor-elect Scott Walker at https://secure3.convio.net/pn/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=576.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Northeast Wisconsin program fuels energy conservation
From an article by Richard Ryman in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
Allouez is one of three northeastern Wisconsin communities tabbed for pilot programs to encourage consumers to use less electricity and natural gas. The programs are a result of an agreement between WPS, the Citizens Utility Board and the state Public Service Commission to see if conservation can be brought about without coercive utility rates.
"One of the things we struggle with in our industry is what does it take to get residential customers to be interested? Nobody's really cracked that nut," said Dennis Derricks, director of electric regulatory policy and analysis for Integrys Energy Group, parent company of Wisconsin Public Service Corp.
Called iCanConserve, the program offers a variety of incentives for people to upgrade their houses and equipment, and to change behaviors. Focus on Energy, the utility-funded statewide energy efficiency organization, is providing steeply discounted home energy audits and other information and assistance in support of the program.
The first pilot program kicked off in Brillion last fall. The Allouez program began this fall and a central Wisconsin community likely will host the third. . . .
"Generally, people can save 20 percent (on utility bills) if they do these things," said Charlie Higley, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Allouez is one of three northeastern Wisconsin communities tabbed for pilot programs to encourage consumers to use less electricity and natural gas. The programs are a result of an agreement between WPS, the Citizens Utility Board and the state Public Service Commission to see if conservation can be brought about without coercive utility rates.
"One of the things we struggle with in our industry is what does it take to get residential customers to be interested? Nobody's really cracked that nut," said Dennis Derricks, director of electric regulatory policy and analysis for Integrys Energy Group, parent company of Wisconsin Public Service Corp.
Called iCanConserve, the program offers a variety of incentives for people to upgrade their houses and equipment, and to change behaviors. Focus on Energy, the utility-funded statewide energy efficiency organization, is providing steeply discounted home energy audits and other information and assistance in support of the program.
The first pilot program kicked off in Brillion last fall. The Allouez program began this fall and a central Wisconsin community likely will host the third. . . .
"Generally, people can save 20 percent (on utility bills) if they do these things," said Charlie Higley, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Shirley Wind: An Auspicious Debut for Emerging Energies
Commentary
by Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin
November 10, 2010
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a celebration of Shirley Wind, Wisconsin’s newest commercial wind installation. Located in the Brown County township of Glenmore, a mere 15 miles southeast of Lambeau Field, the project consists of eight Nordex N100 turbines rated at 2.5 megawatts (MW) apiece. All eight turbines are fully erected and will be turned on individually as part of the commissioning process. Commercial operation should begin in a few weeks.
There are many features of this project that stand out. The most obvious one is the turbines themselves, which are the tallest in Wisconsin and are among the tallest in North America. The nacelle is perched on a 100-meter tower (330 feet). Attached to the rotor are three blades extending 50 meters (165 feet). For comparison purposes, the tower is more than 60 feet taller than the next largest turbine in Wisconsin, the Vestas V82, and the blades are about 30 feet longer. According to Michels Wind, the general contractor for Shirley Wind, the spread foundations supporting these turbines are the largest in North America.
Between their height and blade length, Shirley Wind’s eight turbines will be the most productive wind generators in the state. The power conversion zone of a Nordex N100 is one-third larger than those of the Vestas and GE turbines located in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. The turbine’s productivity is enhanced by the favorable wind resource that flows over the relatively flat terrain in southeast Brown County. All told, Shirley Wind’s turbines should produce about 64 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, which will exceed the annual output from the 20 turbines at the 30 MW Montfort installation in Iowa County, now in its 10th year of operation.
Another praiseworthy feature of Shirley Wind is the degree of local participation in the manufacturing and construction of the project. The towers were fabricated in Manitowoc by Tower Tech Systems. Manitowoc Crane supplied the giant crane that assembled the turbines. Brownsville-based Michels Wind Energy, which was also the general contractor for the 86-turbine Forward Energy Center surrounding its headquarters, organized and oversaw all facets of project construction. Numerous Wisconsin-based subcontractors, consulting engineers and natural resource professionals also made significant contributions to Shirley Wind. And Emerging Energies, the enterprising developer that started prospecting in this area in 2004 and drove the project forward across the finish line six years, is a Wisconsin corporation whose principals have deep roots in the Badger State.
It is no accident that the Shirley Wind project sets a new standard for Wisconsin content and participation. From its inception, Emerging Energies sought to maximize the benefits of windpower development to two important constituencies: Wisconsin businesses and the local community. As it turned out, its decision to partner with Tower Tech was a money-saving proposition, due to the very short distances needed to haul 80-ton tower sections from Manitowoc to the project site 25 miles away.
To build support among local officials, Emerging Energies agreed to set aside a portion of their receipts for compensating local governments and project neighbors, even though such payments are not required on power plants under 50 MW. The developer devised an innovative arrangement that allocates one-third of this revenue pool to the Town of Glenmore, one-third to Brown County, and one-third to project neighbors living within a certain distance of a wind turbine. This commitment to equitable distribution of revenues was no doubt instrumental in helping Emerging Energies secure a conditional use permit from the township in March 2007. This was no mean feat for a seasoned wind developer, let alone a relative newcomer to the industry.
With permit in hand, Emerging Energies set out to find an entity with an appetite for renewable energy. Initially, the developer approached Wisconsin utilities, which are required under 2005 Act 141 to increase the renewable energy content of the electricity they sell. However, by the time Emerging Energies started knocking on their doors, the utilities were already moving forward with their own acquisition plans, which emphasized owning and operating renewable generation sources over purchasing renewable electricity from third parties.
However, the same state law created another entity that needed to acquire renewable energy, namely, the State of Wisconsin. Under Act 141, which was signed into law in March of 2006, the State is obligated to source, by 2011, 20% of the electricity it consumes, or 184 million kilowatt-hours per year, from renewable resources. For state government officials, the purchasing requirement presented an opportunity to back an in-state wind project that could showcase Wisconsin’s prowess in manufacturing and construction as well as bolster the local economy. As a modest-sized project that had assembled a highly capable project development team, Shirley Wind shaped up to be an ideal fit for the State’s aspirations.
Because only utilities can legally sell electricity at retail, the State of Wisconsin and Emerging Energies needed to engage Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, the local utility, in a purchasing agreement that could allow the project to move forward. This was accomplished under a novel arrangement that allows Wisconsin Public Service to purchase both electricity and renewable energy credits from Shirley Wind under a 20-year contract and resell the credits to the State of Wisconsin.
With this three-way arrangement in place, Emerging Energies then sold a 90% stake in Shirley Wind in late 2009 to an outside investor, Central Hudson Enterprise Corporation, a Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based company. The other 10% of the project remains with Emerging Energies. Having consummated that investment, Shirley Wind cleared the last remaining preconstruction hurdle. Project construction commenced in April.
When fully operational, Shirley Wind will produce enough electricity to equal the annual consumption of approximately 8,000 households without discharging so much as an ounce of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At the same time, the project as well as generate thousands of dollars each year in supplemental income to host landowners and their neighbors. At every step of this six-year endeavor, Emerging Energies pursued its vision of locally beneficial renewable energy development in a patient and transparent manner, which eventually bore fruit when the State of Wisconsin decided to apply the power of the public purse to seal the deal for Shirley Wind. Shirley Wind represents an auspicious debut for Emerging Energies. Hopefully, there will be more projects coming through that particular pipeline.
Michael Vickerman is executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a sustainable energy advocacy organization. RENEW Wisconsin hosts and updates the on-line Wisconsin Wind Information Center (http://www.wiwindinfo.net) and facilitates the Wisconsin Wind Working Group. These commentaries also posted on RENEW’s blog: http://renewwisconsinblog.org.
by Michael Vickerman, RENEW Wisconsin
November 10, 2010
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending a celebration of Shirley Wind, Wisconsin’s newest commercial wind installation. Located in the Brown County township of Glenmore, a mere 15 miles southeast of Lambeau Field, the project consists of eight Nordex N100 turbines rated at 2.5 megawatts (MW) apiece. All eight turbines are fully erected and will be turned on individually as part of the commissioning process. Commercial operation should begin in a few weeks.
There are many features of this project that stand out. The most obvious one is the turbines themselves, which are the tallest in Wisconsin and are among the tallest in North America. The nacelle is perched on a 100-meter tower (330 feet). Attached to the rotor are three blades extending 50 meters (165 feet). For comparison purposes, the tower is more than 60 feet taller than the next largest turbine in Wisconsin, the Vestas V82, and the blades are about 30 feet longer. According to Michels Wind, the general contractor for Shirley Wind, the spread foundations supporting these turbines are the largest in North America.
Between their height and blade length, Shirley Wind’s eight turbines will be the most productive wind generators in the state. The power conversion zone of a Nordex N100 is one-third larger than those of the Vestas and GE turbines located in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. The turbine’s productivity is enhanced by the favorable wind resource that flows over the relatively flat terrain in southeast Brown County. All told, Shirley Wind’s turbines should produce about 64 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, which will exceed the annual output from the 20 turbines at the 30 MW Montfort installation in Iowa County, now in its 10th year of operation.
Another praiseworthy feature of Shirley Wind is the degree of local participation in the manufacturing and construction of the project. The towers were fabricated in Manitowoc by Tower Tech Systems. Manitowoc Crane supplied the giant crane that assembled the turbines. Brownsville-based Michels Wind Energy, which was also the general contractor for the 86-turbine Forward Energy Center surrounding its headquarters, organized and oversaw all facets of project construction. Numerous Wisconsin-based subcontractors, consulting engineers and natural resource professionals also made significant contributions to Shirley Wind. And Emerging Energies, the enterprising developer that started prospecting in this area in 2004 and drove the project forward across the finish line six years, is a Wisconsin corporation whose principals have deep roots in the Badger State.
It is no accident that the Shirley Wind project sets a new standard for Wisconsin content and participation. From its inception, Emerging Energies sought to maximize the benefits of windpower development to two important constituencies: Wisconsin businesses and the local community. As it turned out, its decision to partner with Tower Tech was a money-saving proposition, due to the very short distances needed to haul 80-ton tower sections from Manitowoc to the project site 25 miles away.
To build support among local officials, Emerging Energies agreed to set aside a portion of their receipts for compensating local governments and project neighbors, even though such payments are not required on power plants under 50 MW. The developer devised an innovative arrangement that allocates one-third of this revenue pool to the Town of Glenmore, one-third to Brown County, and one-third to project neighbors living within a certain distance of a wind turbine. This commitment to equitable distribution of revenues was no doubt instrumental in helping Emerging Energies secure a conditional use permit from the township in March 2007. This was no mean feat for a seasoned wind developer, let alone a relative newcomer to the industry.
With permit in hand, Emerging Energies set out to find an entity with an appetite for renewable energy. Initially, the developer approached Wisconsin utilities, which are required under 2005 Act 141 to increase the renewable energy content of the electricity they sell. However, by the time Emerging Energies started knocking on their doors, the utilities were already moving forward with their own acquisition plans, which emphasized owning and operating renewable generation sources over purchasing renewable electricity from third parties.
However, the same state law created another entity that needed to acquire renewable energy, namely, the State of Wisconsin. Under Act 141, which was signed into law in March of 2006, the State is obligated to source, by 2011, 20% of the electricity it consumes, or 184 million kilowatt-hours per year, from renewable resources. For state government officials, the purchasing requirement presented an opportunity to back an in-state wind project that could showcase Wisconsin’s prowess in manufacturing and construction as well as bolster the local economy. As a modest-sized project that had assembled a highly capable project development team, Shirley Wind shaped up to be an ideal fit for the State’s aspirations.
Because only utilities can legally sell electricity at retail, the State of Wisconsin and Emerging Energies needed to engage Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, the local utility, in a purchasing agreement that could allow the project to move forward. This was accomplished under a novel arrangement that allows Wisconsin Public Service to purchase both electricity and renewable energy credits from Shirley Wind under a 20-year contract and resell the credits to the State of Wisconsin.
With this three-way arrangement in place, Emerging Energies then sold a 90% stake in Shirley Wind in late 2009 to an outside investor, Central Hudson Enterprise Corporation, a Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based company. The other 10% of the project remains with Emerging Energies. Having consummated that investment, Shirley Wind cleared the last remaining preconstruction hurdle. Project construction commenced in April.
When fully operational, Shirley Wind will produce enough electricity to equal the annual consumption of approximately 8,000 households without discharging so much as an ounce of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At the same time, the project as well as generate thousands of dollars each year in supplemental income to host landowners and their neighbors. At every step of this six-year endeavor, Emerging Energies pursued its vision of locally beneficial renewable energy development in a patient and transparent manner, which eventually bore fruit when the State of Wisconsin decided to apply the power of the public purse to seal the deal for Shirley Wind. Shirley Wind represents an auspicious debut for Emerging Energies. Hopefully, there will be more projects coming through that particular pipeline.
Michael Vickerman is executive director of RENEW Wisconsin, a sustainable energy advocacy organization. RENEW Wisconsin hosts and updates the on-line Wisconsin Wind Information Center (http://www.wiwindinfo.net) and facilitates the Wisconsin Wind Working Group. These commentaries also posted on RENEW’s blog: http://renewwisconsinblog.org.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wisconsin Wind Works sees success
From a news release issued by the New North:
The Wisconsin Wind Works has seen significant growth over the past year in growing the wind energy industry in the State. The Wisconsin Wind Works is a consortium of wind energy suppliers and manufacturers established by the New North, Inc.
This year the Wisconsin Wind Works Supply Chain Directory, a listing of companies involved in producing components and providing services to the industry added 40 companies. This has brought the statewide total to 279. Of the companies 68 percent reported they are currently supplying the wind energy market. This is a 24 percent increase from 2009.
Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of the New North, Inc. is pleased with the statistics and results of the New North and Wisconsin Wind Works to promote the assets of Wisconsin and capabilities of the companies within it. “With our state’s excellent advanced manufacturers and the success of our technical colleges in training workers for this industry, people across the country are recognizing that Wisconsin is the ideal place for component production and other wind energy services. . . .”
The 7th annual New North Summit will be held at the Kolf Sports Center at UW-Oshkosh on December 3. The efforts of Wisconsin Wind Works will be highlighted during the event, which will also feature Oshkosh-based Renewegy, LLC demonstrating their model wind turbine.
For more information on the Summit, please visit http://www.newnorthsummit.com.
The Wisconsin Wind Works has seen significant growth over the past year in growing the wind energy industry in the State. The Wisconsin Wind Works is a consortium of wind energy suppliers and manufacturers established by the New North, Inc.
This year the Wisconsin Wind Works Supply Chain Directory, a listing of companies involved in producing components and providing services to the industry added 40 companies. This has brought the statewide total to 279. Of the companies 68 percent reported they are currently supplying the wind energy market. This is a 24 percent increase from 2009.
Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of the New North, Inc. is pleased with the statistics and results of the New North and Wisconsin Wind Works to promote the assets of Wisconsin and capabilities of the companies within it. “With our state’s excellent advanced manufacturers and the success of our technical colleges in training workers for this industry, people across the country are recognizing that Wisconsin is the ideal place for component production and other wind energy services. . . .”
The 7th annual New North Summit will be held at the Kolf Sports Center at UW-Oshkosh on December 3. The efforts of Wisconsin Wind Works will be highlighted during the event, which will also feature Oshkosh-based Renewegy, LLC demonstrating their model wind turbine.
For more information on the Summit, please visit http://www.newnorthsummit.com.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Menasha Corp. adds wind as power source
From an article by Kathleen Gallagher in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
A little more than two years after it was founded, and a month after starting full-scale production, an Oshkosh manufacturing company expects to have as many as 30 of its wind turbines up and running for customers by the end of the year.
Renewegy LLC's most recently-announced sale was to Menasha Corp.
Privately held Menasha plans to install five wind turbines to generate electricity for its offices in Neenah, along Highway 41. The five 20-kilowatt turbines stand 115 tall, about the height of a stadium light pole. The cost of the plan was not disclosed.
The project will be the largest wind installation at a business in northeastern Wisconsin, said Nancy Whitton, Menasha's corporate communications director.
Other Wisconsin organizations that have turned to Renewegy for turbines include Orion Energy Systems Inc. in Manitowoc, SCA Tissue in the town of Menasha, Bergstrom Corp.'s new Mini Cooper dealership, Kaukauna High School and Neenah-based J. J. Keller.
Renewegy, which has 17 employees, also recently signed agreements with distributors in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska and is looking for more in other states, said Jeff Ehlers, the company's president.
A little more than two years after it was founded, and a month after starting full-scale production, an Oshkosh manufacturing company expects to have as many as 30 of its wind turbines up and running for customers by the end of the year.
Renewegy LLC's most recently-announced sale was to Menasha Corp.
Privately held Menasha plans to install five wind turbines to generate electricity for its offices in Neenah, along Highway 41. The five 20-kilowatt turbines stand 115 tall, about the height of a stadium light pole. The cost of the plan was not disclosed.
The project will be the largest wind installation at a business in northeastern Wisconsin, said Nancy Whitton, Menasha's corporate communications director.
Other Wisconsin organizations that have turned to Renewegy for turbines include Orion Energy Systems Inc. in Manitowoc, SCA Tissue in the town of Menasha, Bergstrom Corp.'s new Mini Cooper dealership, Kaukauna High School and Neenah-based J. J. Keller.
Renewegy, which has 17 employees, also recently signed agreements with distributors in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska and is looking for more in other states, said Jeff Ehlers, the company's president.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Rally for trains this Saturday! Noon, Nov. 20, Oshkosh
Join us as we tell Scott Walker that Wisconsin can't afford to say NO over $800 million dollars in federal grant funds for this project, 9,570 permanent jobs, and increased property values.
When: Saturday, November 20th, 12:00PM - 12:45 PM
Where: Rainbow Memorial Park (corner of Veterans Trail and Rainbow Dr; To Be Confirmed)
Who: Paul Aird, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Janet Moldenhauer, Sierra Club - Fox Valley Group, and You. More details.
If we want to save this train, we need to speak up now! Join us as we tell Scott Walker that Wisconsin can't afford to say NO over $800 million dollars in federal grant funds for this project, 9,570 permanent jobs, and increased property values. Let's extend the popular Hiawatha service connecting Chicago and Milwaukee. Let's create a safe, convenient efficient way to travel throughout the Midwest. We can make a difference, IF we stand together. Please attend and bring a friend!
When: Saturday, November 20th, 12:00PM - 12:45 PM
Where: Rainbow Memorial Park (corner of Veterans Trail and Rainbow Dr; To Be Confirmed)
Who: Paul Aird, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Janet Moldenhauer, Sierra Club - Fox Valley Group, and You. More details.
If we want to save this train, we need to speak up now! Join us as we tell Scott Walker that Wisconsin can't afford to say NO over $800 million dollars in federal grant funds for this project, 9,570 permanent jobs, and increased property values. Let's extend the popular Hiawatha service connecting Chicago and Milwaukee. Let's create a safe, convenient efficient way to travel throughout the Midwest. We can make a difference, IF we stand together. Please attend and bring a friend!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Green Bay School Offers District's First "Green Science" Class
From a story on WBAY-TV, Green Bay:
"Green collar" jobs are expected to boom in the coming years as more people look to save the environment. Green Bay's Southwest High School is teaching students about what going green is all about.
"Putting the solar panels up on the top of the roof. That surprised me," says senior Liz Meisel. Students in the district's first green science class are learning about energy and how to conserve it. They're looking into the energy around them, and how they can make it work better.
"How is it managed? How do we take energy resources and use it to provide the type of energy that we need in the space like this or a space like a home?" says Scott Liddicoat, Southwest teacher.
Liddicoat has been developing this class for several years and it's not only captured these students attention, but could also lead to some lucrative careers. "Wisconsin is a state that only has renewable energy sources to it within its borders, so we've got quite a group of students here who can become leaders in areas from everything from marketing that concept to becoming electricians and plumbers and installers and everything in between," says Liddicoat.
"Green collar" jobs are expected to boom in the coming years as more people look to save the environment. Green Bay's Southwest High School is teaching students about what going green is all about.
"Putting the solar panels up on the top of the roof. That surprised me," says senior Liz Meisel. Students in the district's first green science class are learning about energy and how to conserve it. They're looking into the energy around them, and how they can make it work better.
"How is it managed? How do we take energy resources and use it to provide the type of energy that we need in the space like this or a space like a home?" says Scott Liddicoat, Southwest teacher.
Liddicoat has been developing this class for several years and it's not only captured these students attention, but could also lead to some lucrative careers. "Wisconsin is a state that only has renewable energy sources to it within its borders, so we've got quite a group of students here who can become leaders in areas from everything from marketing that concept to becoming electricians and plumbers and installers and everything in between," says Liddicoat.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Green Bay home energy rebates help some, but not all
From an article by Charles Davis in the Fond du Lac Reporter:
Nancy Rein is falling through the cracks, and so is the heat in her home.
The 57-year-old unemployed homeowner from Green Bay said it's hard to qualify for energy-efficiency assistance to lower her heating bill.
"I have no money for anything, I need a roof right now, and I can't find any help," she said.
Rein is one of many homeowners seeking city and federal resources to make home improvements that would lower heating costs in preparation for winter.
Wisconsin Public Service Corp. predicts the typical residential customer could pay $13.50 more for heat this winter than last winter, totaling about $544 for natural gas between Nov. 1 and March 31.
With a $1 million federal grant, the city's Home Energy Audit Rebate Program helps homeowners make repairs. Homeowners can qualify for a $100 rebate on a home-energy audit, which usually costs $300 to $350.
If at least two upgrades are made within six months, the homeowner can receive another $100 rebate.
Nancy Rein is falling through the cracks, and so is the heat in her home.
The 57-year-old unemployed homeowner from Green Bay said it's hard to qualify for energy-efficiency assistance to lower her heating bill.
"I have no money for anything, I need a roof right now, and I can't find any help," she said.
Rein is one of many homeowners seeking city and federal resources to make home improvements that would lower heating costs in preparation for winter.
Wisconsin Public Service Corp. predicts the typical residential customer could pay $13.50 more for heat this winter than last winter, totaling about $544 for natural gas between Nov. 1 and March 31.
With a $1 million federal grant, the city's Home Energy Audit Rebate Program helps homeowners make repairs. Homeowners can qualify for a $100 rebate on a home-energy audit, which usually costs $300 to $350.
If at least two upgrades are made within six months, the homeowner can receive another $100 rebate.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Trainmaker Talgo says future in Wisconsin uncertain
From a story on WISN-TV, Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE -- Trainmaker Talgo Inc. said Friday it can't promise it will stay in Milwaukee if Wisconsin scuttles its plans for a high-speed rail project as Gov.-elect Scott Walker has proposed.
Talgo has enough work to keep it in Wisconsin through early 2012, but its prospects beyond that are as uncertain as the rail project's future, company spokeswoman Nora Friend said.
"Until two days ago we were telling (employees) there was definitely potential for growth," she told The Associated Press. "Now we have to tell them the truth, that it all depends on what the government decides to do."
Walker, the Republican who was elected governor this week, has criticized the high-speed rail project that would link Madison and Milwaukee as a waste of taxpayer money. He has vowed to shut down the $810 million project, which is being funded by federal stimulus money.
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday ordered contractors to suspend work on the train line while his administration considered the potential impact of killing the project.
Neither he nor Walker immediately returned a message Friday.
Talgo agreed to locate its Wisconsin site at a former automotive plant in Milwaukee in March after the city agreed to invest $3 million to convert and upgrade the facility. Talgo said at the time it planned to create 125 local jobs, not including additional work for vendors and suppliers.
Friend said the company expected to have 40 employees by the end of the month, but said she could no longer make any staffing predictions beyond that.
MILWAUKEE -- Trainmaker Talgo Inc. said Friday it can't promise it will stay in Milwaukee if Wisconsin scuttles its plans for a high-speed rail project as Gov.-elect Scott Walker has proposed.
Talgo has enough work to keep it in Wisconsin through early 2012, but its prospects beyond that are as uncertain as the rail project's future, company spokeswoman Nora Friend said.
"Until two days ago we were telling (employees) there was definitely potential for growth," she told The Associated Press. "Now we have to tell them the truth, that it all depends on what the government decides to do."
Walker, the Republican who was elected governor this week, has criticized the high-speed rail project that would link Madison and Milwaukee as a waste of taxpayer money. He has vowed to shut down the $810 million project, which is being funded by federal stimulus money.
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle on Thursday ordered contractors to suspend work on the train line while his administration considered the potential impact of killing the project.
Neither he nor Walker immediately returned a message Friday.
Talgo agreed to locate its Wisconsin site at a former automotive plant in Milwaukee in March after the city agreed to invest $3 million to convert and upgrade the facility. Talgo said at the time it planned to create 125 local jobs, not including additional work for vendors and suppliers.
Friend said the company expected to have 40 employees by the end of the month, but said she could no longer make any staffing predictions beyond that.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Help make walking, running, and biking in Grand Chute more safe, convenient, and enjoyable!
The Town of Grand Chute will be developing a Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategy over the next few months. When completed, this document will help the Town set priorities for future projects, leverage funding and grants, and create policies that help ensure future development provides facilities for walkers and bicyclists.
Please join us at our first workshop!
Tuesday, November 9th @ 7 p.m.
Grand Chute Town Hall, 1900 Grand Chute Boulevard from CTH “OO” (Northland Avenue), go north on CTH “A” (Lynndale Drive) one mile
We need your help locating areas that are unsafe for walking or biking, identifying places that are difficult to reach by foot or bike, and recommending improvements that we could make.
Please contact Kevin J. Vonck, Special Projects Coordinator @ #920-380-2910 with any questions.
Please join us at our first workshop!
Tuesday, November 9th @ 7 p.m.
Grand Chute Town Hall, 1900 Grand Chute Boulevard from CTH “OO” (Northland Avenue), go north on CTH “A” (Lynndale Drive) one mile
We need your help locating areas that are unsafe for walking or biking, identifying places that are difficult to reach by foot or bike, and recommending improvements that we could make.
Please contact Kevin J. Vonck, Special Projects Coordinator @ #920-380-2910 with any questions.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Menasha Packaging gets OK from Neenah for five turbines
From an article by in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
NEENAH — Menasha Packaging Co. has secured city approval to install five 20-kilowatt wind turbines outside its headquarters at 1645 Bergstrom Road.
The turbines would be the first in Neenah and would be similar to the four turbines installed at SCA Tissue's Service Excellence Center along U.S. 10 in the Town of Menasha.
April Mielke, Neenah's deputy director of community development and assessment, said the turbines would be highly visible to motorists on U.S. 41 and would serve as a daily reminder of sustainable practices.
"It shows that the city is committed to working with the business community to help companies become more energy conscious," Mielke said.
The Neenah Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan for the project.
Morgan Wiswall, purchasing manager for Menasha Packaging, declined to discuss the project last week because the company had not yet committed to full funding.
Mielke said the turbines could be installed yet this year.
"You would see this move forward really quickly if it is approved (for funding)," she said.
The wind turbines, manufactured by Renewegy of Oshkosh, would generate electricity to support the power needs of Menasha Packaging. Mielke said the turbines are only one component of the company's efforts.
NEENAH — Menasha Packaging Co. has secured city approval to install five 20-kilowatt wind turbines outside its headquarters at 1645 Bergstrom Road.
The turbines would be the first in Neenah and would be similar to the four turbines installed at SCA Tissue's Service Excellence Center along U.S. 10 in the Town of Menasha.
April Mielke, Neenah's deputy director of community development and assessment, said the turbines would be highly visible to motorists on U.S. 41 and would serve as a daily reminder of sustainable practices.
"It shows that the city is committed to working with the business community to help companies become more energy conscious," Mielke said.
The Neenah Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan for the project.
Morgan Wiswall, purchasing manager for Menasha Packaging, declined to discuss the project last week because the company had not yet committed to full funding.
Mielke said the turbines could be installed yet this year.
"You would see this move forward really quickly if it is approved (for funding)," she said.
The wind turbines, manufactured by Renewegy of Oshkosh, would generate electricity to support the power needs of Menasha Packaging. Mielke said the turbines are only one component of the company's efforts.
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