WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- Mayor Shane Blaser has issued a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month. This runs from May 1-31.
Mental Health Awareness Month raises awareness of the impact that trauma can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- Mayor Shane Blaser has issued a proclamation in recognition of Arbor Day. Every April 30th, Arbor Day raises awareness of the important role that trees play in our environment.
Please see the full proclamation below. WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids has been awarded a $144,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) CARES Act Grant to conduct revitalization and redevelopment planning for the paper mill and adjacent parcels. In addition, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) awarded a $36,000 Capacity Building Grant Program match to round out the total proposed project cost of $180,000.
This EDA investment supports the City in recovering from the recent closure of the paper mill and reduced economic activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will include a market assessment, community participation in goal-setting, site area redevelopment planning, strategy and an action plan. Once implemented, the strategy will help create economic resiliency in downtown. The next step is for the City to release a request for proposals for contractual services to conduct the planning efforts. Once a qualified consultant is selected, the process is anticipated to take 1-2 years and would be implemented over several years. “This is very exciting for the City, as it allows us to proactively plan for the future of the site and areas adjacent. It is important to note that we recognize other opportunities exist for the Paper Mill and do not wish to detract or divert from those opportunities, with which we are continuing to provide assistance as necessary. Should any opportunities come to fruition, the proposed redevelopment planning efforts will still have great value given the large expanse of the property and adjacent uses that have been impacted. We are very thankful for the U.S. EDA and WEDC, whom recognized the need for assistance in our community, and look forward to the ongoing partnership with them.,” said Director of Community Development for the City of Wisconsin Rapids, Kyle Kearns. The City partnered with the North Central Wisconsin Regional Plan Commission (NCWRPC) for technical assistance on the proposal. The NCWRPC is a voluntary association of governments, which provides assistance to communities in the areas of economic development, land use and transportation planning. “The North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, as a federally designated economic development district, was provided technical assistance funding as part of the CARES Act to help local communities in the ten-county area apply for grants through the EDA. In that capacity, the NCWRPC worked with the City of Wisconsin Rapids to prepare and submit an EDA planning grant application. That grant will allow the city to undertake a planning effort, which will lay the groundwork for future infrastructure and other projects for the community,” said Executive Director of NCWRPC, Dennis Lawrence. For more information about EDA CARES Act grants, visit eda.gov/coronavirus. For questions about how the funds will be used, contact Kyle Kearns at [email protected] or 715-421-8225. WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids has earned Bird City Wisconsin’s High Flyer status for the 8th year in a row. The City has been a Bird City for nine years in total, first earning High Flyer status in their second year.
Bird City Wisconsin Rapids leads the effort and partners with the City of Wisconsin Rapids, local businesses and residents to meet the criteria for Bird City. Criteria includes demonstrated sustainability efforts in the city; limiting threats to birds; public education; and a resolution naming World Migratory Bird Day. This year, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated in Wisconsin Rapids on September 12. A few of Bird City Wisconsin Rapids’ recent projects include a partnership with Lincoln High School to develop a walking trail and prairie in the woodlot behind their playing fields; sponsoring the Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Festival, which is scheduled for April 17; and improvements to the rain garden by City Hall. They are currently planning a summer program with the City of Wisconsin Rapids Parks and Recreation Department to teach children how to bird watch and use binoculars. To connect with the local chapter of Bird City, contact [email protected]. Learn more about Bird City Wisconsin Rapids at: birdcitywisconsin.org/bird-city/wisconsinrapids WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids has been named a 2020 Tree City USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Wisconsin Rapids achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. "Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand," said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Wisconsin Rapids are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy to a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education." According to the Arbor Day Foundation, communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and protection from extreme heat and flooding. The Arbor Day Foundation recently launched the Time for Trees initiative to address these issues, with unprecedented goals of planting 100 million trees in forests and communities and inspiring 5 million tree planters by 2022. With Tree City USA recognition, Wisconsin Rapids has demonstrated a commitment to effective urban forest management and doing its part to help address these challenges for Wisconsin Rapids residents now and in the future. “Natural resources create beauty and recreation opportunities to residents and visitors, alike. The City’s urban canopy, wooded trails and lush neighborhoods show what an impact trees make in a community. The Tree City USA designation is a symbol of our Park & Recreation Department’s dedication to natural resources and the public’s support of forest sustainability. Thank you to everyone who played a part in securing this designation for another year,” said Mayor Shane Blaser. More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA. |
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