Designation would ensure local businesses can compete for certain federal contracts to support local economies in Superior and communities across Douglas County
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released a letter asking the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to make Douglas County eligible for designation as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone). By designating Douglas County as a HUBZone, local businesses would be able to compete for certain federal set-aside contracts, offering employment and growth opportunities where they are most needed for positive economic impact. The governor’s request is designed to help support the city of Superior and Douglas County, which could experience some disruptions as the John A. Blatnik Bridge between Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota, is closed for an upcoming replacement project set to begin in 2026.
“A HUBZone designation would provide local businesses with additional tools to remain competitive during this period of disruption and help offset anticipated economic losses as well as assist these businesses in the future after completion of the new bridge and the new opportunities that may come with the upgraded infrastructure,” Gov. Evers wrote in a letter to the SBA.
The Office of the Governor has numerous letters of support for Douglas County’s petition to be designated as a HUBZone, including from the Wisconsin Counties Association, Douglas County officials, the city of Superior, and multiple area legislators. Additionally, among the many businesses that would benefit from the HUBZone designation is Fraser Shipyards LLC, a major employer in Superior, which the governor noted in his letter.
“HUBZone eligibility and subsequent designation would also provide area businesses with access to set-aside federal contracts, allowing them to grow, sustain, and stabilize operations in the face of economic hardship. This opportunity is especially vital for employers in Douglas County who are committed to building a year-round, reliable workforce and contributing to regional and statewide economic resilience,” wrote Gov. Evers. “Fraser Shipyards is just one example of a business that stands to benefit significantly, which in turn supports broader economic development for the region.”
The SBA’s HUBZone program allows businesses in disadvantaged communities to compete for federal set-aside contracts, offering employment and growth opportunities where they are most needed for positive economic impact. HUBZones are designated based on economic and population data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies, using definitions established by the U.S. Congress. In a letter to Wisconsin SBA Administrator Eric Ness, Gov. Evers noted that Douglas County is a strong candidate for HUBZone eligibility and subsequent designation.
The governor’s request is especially timely due to the county’s current economic conditions and potential disruptions that may be caused over the next several years by the replacement of the aging Blatnik Bridge between Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota. Built in 1961, the Blatnik Bridge has reached the end of its service life, and the joint $1.8 billion replacement project between the two states is set to begin in 2026, ending in 2031.
WEDC, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Procurement Institute, is committed to successfully securing a HUBZone designation in Douglas County. WEDC will work closely with local organizations to educate area businesses on government contracting and the benefits of HUBZone designation, as well as provide the technical assistance necessary to engage in federal contracting opportunities. In anticipation of the economic impacts, WEDC has already provided a $50,000 Capacity Building Grant to the Development Association of Superior to help area businesses plan for and reduce the impact of the Blatnik Bridge closure.
An online version of this release is available here.
