(WAUKESHA, WI) – Waukesha County’s 2022 – 2026 Capital Projects Plan focuses on essential infrastructure projects that support safety and economic development in the community. Residents will benefit from quality-of-life improvements to County parks, vital transportation corridors, and safer, more accessible courthouse facilities during this time period if the current proposal is adopted.
The Plan includes funding for all major projects to be proposed in the County budget over the next five years, such as road, facility, and parks projects. The Waukesha County Board of Supervisors will begin reviewing the Plan soon and is anticipated to vote on it during their Tuesday, October 26 board meeting.
“Waukesha County’s Capital Projects Plan is one tool we use to ensure residents and businesses have accessible roads, safe infrastructure and award-winning parks amenities while keeping taxes low,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “We analyze upcoming needs in our community and implement conservative budgeting practices to ensure funds are spent wisely.”
Beginning in 2022, the multi-phase Courthouse Project will continue with early stages of Step Two with renovations of the aging Courthouse building in this Capital Projects Plan. The renovation project in Step Two will address security concerns, capacity limitations, outdated mechanical systems, and enhanced public accessibility in the Courthouse building built in 1959.
- The renovation will add 27,000 square feet to the building to enhance security by adding three-way separation in all courtroom. It will also eliminate the existing prisoner transport tunnel and create new prisoner transport and holding areas.
- The updated design will enhance business operations through a more efficient public entrance, office layout, and improved public access.
- The project will replace inefficient systems nearing the end of their useful life with state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and window systems.
- New wall, floor and ceiling finishes will be installed in renovated areas.
Construction is expected to begin late next year, with project completion in 2026. Step One of the Courthouse Project will wrap up this fall when construction of a new secure courtroom facility is complete.
The Plan maintains the County Trunk Highway (CTH) infrastructure to promote public safety, support growing businesses and enhance economic development efforts. Many of these projects support economic development by improving Moorland Road (CTH O), a priority corridor that is key to important existing and future commercial and resident development. The County’s Repaving Program will also support improvements to the transportation network.
Since 2020, there has been renewed interest in outdoor recreational activities, and this Plan supports several projects that will increase amenities at Waukesha County Parks.
The Golf Course Infrastructure Plan will address major infrastructure maintenance needs at Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course in Delafield. It includes golf course irrigation system repair and maintenance, pump station replacement, HVAC replacement, cart path maintenance, a new clubhouse well, clubhouse roof replacement, and renovation of the clubhouse restrooms and patio pavement.
A new project will improve access to recreational fishing activities while benefitting water quality in the Fox River watershed. It will implement a new ADA-accessible fishing pier, kayak/canoe launch, and walkway to connect park patrons from the existing parking to the new features. The project will also stabilize and restore the riverbank.
About the Waukesha County Capital Projects Plan
The first year of the 2022 – 2026 Waukesha County Capital Plan will be included as part of the full Waukesha County Budget. Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow will introduce the full 2022 Budget to the County Board in late September, with final passage expected in November.
You can find the complete Waukesha County Capital Projects Plan at: www.waukeshacounty.gov/capitalplan.
