It's a brand new day ... or year, at least ... and I've finally managed to sort out the blogging function. So, let's talk Dane County in 2023!
There are a few big projects for the year. Some are (hopefully!) wrapping up and some are just getting started.
Dane County Jail Consolidation Project
We have seen a variety of solutions to this stalemate since I took office last May. I spoke on the floor in favor of $10 million of funding back in the summer of 2022. That initiative, while very close to passing, narrowly missed the 2/3rds vote requirement for it to pass. Next, was a proposal for a slightly smaller facility, that would have stayed within the approved budget. This proposal was passed by the Board in the County Budget but was vetoed by our County Executive. I voted in favor of both of these proposals that would have allowed construction on the new jail to begin.
Earlier this month we voted on a referendum to appear in the Spring Election that would have given an addition $13.5M to the jail project. I voted against the referendum.
The architects are working on the final inflation-adjusted construction costs and we should have an answer in March. At that time, I expect to see a number of ideas for finding the final amount of funding needed to construct the jail.
Dane County Landfill
The Dane County Landfill is well past its life and is currently on its last height extension. The landfill is looking for a new home and has purchased land on the other side of the highway from its current location including a large portion of Yahara Hills Golf Course. Over the decades that the landfill has been quietly (or not so quietly if you've been paying attention) a world-class facility that is setting standards in waste management. It has implemented an award-winning education program, collects and disposes dangerous chemicals, and runs a household chemical exchange program. It is one of the few waste management facilities in the world that generates Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from landfill chemical byproducts. These facilities require significant investment in infrastructure, and locating a new landfill near these facilities is one way to efficiently ensure our recycling and waste management programs remain world class.
Alliant Energy Center Redevelopment
One of the consequences of the COVID shutdowns was that the county stopped work on the redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center (AEC). The AEC is a center-piece of Madison's entertainment and tourism industry. The first facility on this campus (the Colisseum) opened in 1967. Today it is home to the World Dairy Expo, the Midwest Horse Fair, the Reebok Cross-Fit Games, the Dane County Fair, and numerous concerts, games, and community events. It is desperate need of update to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of modern large-scale events.
Other District Priorities
Our district is home to many multi-family housing complexes and senior housing; thus, affordable housing is incredibly important to the district. Along with affordable housing, access to nutritional food continues to also be a priority for the district; especially for our very diverse community. We have numerous ethnic grocery stores and food pantries (including one of the few food pantries that offers culturally diverse foods. Ensuring our residents have access to affordable housing and food is incredibly important. Moreover, equally important as housing and food, having access to broadband internet is necessary for modern education, health care, and financial management. The county will continue to focus on ensuring that all of our residents have access to affordable broadband internet.
