Gov. Evers announces $100 million investment in state's economic recovery

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Apr 13, 2021 1:46 PM CDT

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Gov. Tony Evers announced a $100 million investment in Wisconsin's economic recovery as part of the state's funds received under President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act on Tuesday, April 13.

Officials say the investment aims to ensure businesses and communities across the state can bounce back from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The investment includes $50 million in Wisconsin Tomorrow - Main Street Bounceback grants to encourage businesses to move into vacant storefronts in downtowns and other commercial corridors, according to a news release. The program will provide $10,000 grants to new or existing businesses that move into vacant commercial properties.

“Our top priority continues to be getting these funds out to folks who need it across our state so they can recover and bounce back from this pandemic,” said Gov. Evers. “Many of our state’s downtowns have been hit hard as retailers, restaurants, and other Main Street businesses closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and these grants are intended to get those storefronts filled and get our downtowns humming again.”

The news come after Gov. Evers recently announced his plan for investing $2.5 billion in federal funding under the American Rescue Plan into the state's economic recover. Officials say $600 million will go towards supporting small business recovery across Wisconsin.

Gov. Evers also announced a $50 million Equitable Recovery program. Officials say the program is primarily through grants to community partners whoa re doing work to eliminate disparities and promote equity and inclusion.

“As I’ve said before, our priority is and always has been building a Wisconsin that works for everyone, and as we work toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure that equity is at the forefront,” said Gov. Evers. “These dedicated funds will ensure support for many of the important work happening on the ground to advance equity and bolster those efforts.”