Gov. Tony Evers, along with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced that business expansions at Sub-Zero and Promega in Fitchburg that are expected to add 205 jobs will be supported by a $1 million Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant for road construction.
The grant, approved by WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson, will support the city’s $8.4 million project to widen and upgrade a portion of Lacy Road in the Fitchburg Commerce Park. Sub-Zero is constructing a new design center near its existing facilities in the park. Promega is constructing a new manufacturing facility nearby.
“In Wisconsin, we take great pride in our manufacturing and biotechnology businesses. I am pleased to support Promega and Sub-Zero’s expansion plans that will create more than 200 new jobs in Wisconsin,” Governor Evers said.
“Our collaboration with the City of Fitchburg on this project helps support key transportation infrastructure needed for these businesses which are making significant capital investments in their operations in addition to creating jobs,” Secretary-designee Thompson said. “TEA grants support business expansion across the state, and I want to encourage local officials and economic groups to apply.”
“Promega and Sub-Zero have continued to grow and invest in Fitchburg. This grant recognizes their continued commitment to Fitchburg, and we are thankful to have such great partners in our community,” Fitchburg Mayor Aaron Richardson said.
Sub-Zero, a manufacturer of high-end home appliances, and Promega, a leading biotech company, are engaged in the project which will add 481,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations space, developing 96.45 acres of land in the Fitchburg Commerce Park. The projects have a combined capital expenditure of more than $239 million.
The Lacy Road upgrade, which will convert the street from a rural two-lane road to a wider urban roadway with bike facilities and curb and gutter is scheduled to be constructed in 2022.
In the past 12 months, Wisconsin’s TEA program awarded 12 grants, totaling $6.2 million. They support transportation improvements linked to business development projects that will create 1,205 new jobs and retain an additional 716 jobs in Wisconsin.
The TEA program provides financial assistance to communities to support transportation infrastructure improvements that will help attract new employers or encourage existing employers to expand. A municipal or county unit of government must sponsor a TEA application. The project must have the local government’s endorsement, and it must benefit the public.
