Wisconsin OKs $110M for UW, Prisons & DOT Facility

(The Center Square) – Major infrastructure upgrades are on the horizon in Wisconsin, with the State Building Commission approving $110.2 million in funding for a wide range of projects across University of Wisconsin campuses, prisons, state agency facilities, and historic preservation sites.

The investment, announced by Gov. Tony Evers and supported by members of the bipartisan commission, draws from allocations in the 2025–27 Wisconsin state biennial budget.

“I’m proud we were able to approve these critically important projects, including making necessary improvements to our state agencies to help streamline government efficiency,” Evers said. “I look forward to seeing firsthand the impact these critical investments will have on communities and folks across our state.”

Key Projects Approved

New Multi-Divisional DOT Facility in Spooner

‍The state will construct a Department of Transportation complex consolidating State Patrol, DMV, emergency management, and transportation system development offices into one modern facility. Officials say this will improve operational efficiency and reduce long-term facility costs.

University of Wisconsin Campus Improvements

• Demolition work at UW–Oshkosh, UW–Platteville, and UW–Parkside to clear outdated and unsafe structures.
• Renovations to the library and learning center at UW–Stout to modernize student resources.
• Two water-cooled chillers installed at UW–Green Bay to improve energy efficiency and climate control.

Prison and Correctional Facility Upgrades

• Fox Lake Correctional Institution will see significant entrance and visitor center overhauls to improve safety and security for both visitors and staff.

State Capitol Infrastructure Upgrades

• Stormwater system expansion and sidewalk reconstruction to address drainage issues and improve accessibility at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Historic Preservation

• Lighting and rigging upgrades at the historic A.L. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, ensuring the venue continues to operate as a cultural landmark.

Project Timeline & Process

While some initiatives already had design phases pre-approved and funded, others will move into bidding, design finalization, and construction preparation in the coming months. The state expects several of the UW campus upgrades to begin first, given prior planning work.

Officials also note that the Spooner DOT facility and Fox Lake Correctional improvements will require careful staging to minimize service disruptions during construction.

Why This Matters

These investments represent one of the most diverse rounds of state-funded capital projects in recent years — spanning education, transportation, criminal justice, and cultural preservation.

The DOT facility is expected to improve inter-agency coordination in northern Wisconsin, while the UW campus upgrades will modernize learning environments and improve energy efficiency. Prison and visitor center renovations aim to enhance security and accessibility, and historic theatre improvements will support tourism and local arts.

By spreading projects across the state, the commission aims to create localized economic boosts through construction jobs, materials sourcing, and long-term operational savings.

Looking Ahead

The Wisconsin State Building Commission meets several times each year to approve construction funding and oversee capital planning. Officials say the success of this $110M investment will help shape future infrastructure priorities, especially as aging public buildings across the state require modernization.

Originally reported by Elijah Guevara in The Center Square.