Wisconsin Paper Council is one of 60 applicants to earn a $500,000 planning grant to continue developing a more resilient paper industry and boost local economies
MADISON, Wis. — State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski congratulated the Wisconsin Paper Council for being named one of 60 finalists for the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Earlier this fall, the Office of the State Treasurer hosted an informational webinar connecting Wisconsin applicants with resources to strengthen their submissions.

“We are so proud of the Wisconsin Paper Council and the entire coalition for their hard work and successful proposal,” said State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, “By claiming this planning grant, these partners have a strong opportunity to build a more resilient paper industry, bring new jobs, and strengthen the local economies of 35 counties here in our state. As State Treasurer, I will continue to support them as they enter the next phase of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge.”

The coalition led by the Paper Council includes the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Mid-state Technical College, Sustainable Resources Institute, UW Stevens Point, the Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, and Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. The proposed projects include building an R&D forest-fiber-paper-packing facility; generating recycling renovation; creating new markets for maple wood; and developing related training. It estimates bringing 2,500 new jobs and $2 billion in new economic output over the next decade. The full proposal can be found here.

As a selected finalist from 529 initial applicants, the Wisconsin Paper Council will receive $500,000 to continue project development. The next phase of the EDA’s Build Back Better Regional Economic Development Challenge will provide up to $100 million per grantee to up to 30 regional coalitions.

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