MADISON – Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Gillett) and Representative Benjamin Franklin (R-De Pere) released the following statements after the Brown County Board of Supervisors and the C. Reiss Company reached a tentative agreement to relocate coal piles located in downtown Green Bay, an important step to continue redevelopment activities at the Port of Green Bay that the Senator and Representative have championed throughout the 2025-27 Legislative Session:
Senator Wimberger stated, “Securing a deal that relocates the coal piles from downtown Green Bay to the former Pulliam Power Plant site is a major win for Brown County and the region. Consolidating unsightly port operations and remediating environmental harm will create opportunities for neighborhood revitalization and new investments in our local and regional economies.
I have been actively working at the state level to support the moving of the coal piles as part of the Port of Green Bay’s full redevelopment. The Port is Northeast Wisconsin’s major connection to the global supply chain. Expanding the Port – with the $20 million investment Representative Franklin and I secured – will invite new business activity that creates jobs and economic benefits for the entire State of Wisconsin.”
Representative Franklin said, “Delivering real, tangible wins for Northeast Wisconsin was a top priority for me during the budget process, and the relocation of the coal piles and redevelopment of the Port of Green Bay—made possible through funding secured in the budget—is exactly the kind of progress our region deserves.
For decades, the coal piles have limited access to our waterfront and held back economic growth. Moving them clears the way for new development, job creation, and expanded use of one of our most valuable assets. This investment will strengthen the Port of Green Bay, improve environmental conditions, and open the door to long-term economic opportunities that benefit our entire community.”
In the most recent State Budget, Senator Wimberger and Representative Franklin secured $20 million to assist in the full redevelopment of the Port of Green Bay.
Last May, Senator Wimberger successfully urged DOA Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld to extend a deadline for local officials to negotiate a deal to move the coal piles, or risk losing a $15 million state grant. Local leaders reached an agreement under this extended deadline, ensuring the $15 million stayed with Brown County. These combined funds will work in conjunction to fund the full Port expansion project.