MADISON, Wis. — Today, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski announced that the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) has supported over $24 million in funding for 48 community projects around Wisconsin so far in 2022. Twenty-six counties across the state will receive financing for critical projects in areas such as infrastructure, capital equipment, and initiatives to improve neighborhoods.
“Our local communities are the heart of our state, and it’s important that we are there to provide the necessary resources so localities of all sizes can thrive,” said Treasurer Godlewski. “It is a priority of the BCPL to continue to partner with Wisconsin municipalities and school districts to make these projects a reality.”
The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) has approved $24,789,773 in State Trust Fund Loans to support 48 community projects in 2022, including:
- $1,466,688 to purchase fire trucks and equipment in six communities
- $2,580,000 to finance roadwork in seven counties
- $853,500 to support bridge repairs and replacements in three communities
- $800,000 to construct a new town shop and office in the Town of Vance Creek
- $470,200 to support the City of LaCrosse’s energy efficiency and floodplain projects
- $210,000 to finance lead water line replacement in the City of Mosinee
- $190,000 to the purchase a snow plow in the Town of Gordon
- $75,000 to finance park improvements in the Town of Onalaska
The interest paid on these loans goes back to Wisconsin communities in the form of funding for books and technology for public school libraries. This year’s annual distribution was a record-high $40.6 million.
Background
Established in 1848 by the State Constitution, the BCPL consists of Board Chair and State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Secretary of State Doug La Follette, and Attorney General Josh Kaul. The BCPL manages the Common School Fund, which was created in Article X of Wisconsin’s Constitution, as a permanent endowment to benefit public education.
The earnings of $40.6 million provide the sole source of funding for over 90% of K-12 public school libraries. A list of 2022 library aid received by each public school district is available here.
To learn more about the agency, visit www.bcpl.wisconsin.gov.
