Biden promotes $36 million to transform Milwaukee's 6th Street
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- President Joe Biden returned to Wisconsin pitching his $3.3 billion infrastructure plan which includes tens of millions to help rebuild a major street in Milwaukee.
At the Boys and Girls Club downtown, President Biden touted a $36 million investment to improve Milwaukee's 6th street.
The grant is from the Biden administration's Reconnecting Communities program and it will help rebuild a 2.6-mile stretch of 6th Street between North and National Avenues.
The funding seeks to make the area safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and overall, more welcoming for those who live in the area. The project includes dedicated bike and bus lanes, enhanced pedestrian walkways as well as serving as a key corridor to help connect minority communities.
"These are life changing improvements that are going to make it easier for Black communities in the north and Latino communities in the south to access jobs, school, and entertainment," Biden said.
In the 1960s, the city widened 6th Street to accommodate interstate traffic and it resulted in impacting residents who live, walk and shop around the corridor.
The project is one of nine major "catalytic projects" part of Milwaukee's 2040 Downtown Master Plan, which also includes rebuilding Water Street and exploring removal of the I-794 Lake Interchange.
Funding this plan was made possible after Congress approved the bipartisan infrastructure bill in 2021. During his speech, Biden criticized Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) for being on a many Republicans who voted against the funding deal.
He also attacked former President Donald Trump for recently suggesting cuts to Medicare and Social Security.
"When asked if (Trump) changed his mind, he said there's a lot in terms of cutting -- a tremendous amount we can do," Biden said. "I will assure you, we will never allow it to happen."
After his speech Biden headed to his campaign reelection headquarters on E. Highland, an announcement made by the campaign earlier this week.
It’s the first time in nearly two decades a Democratic presidential nominee has picked the city to serve as their main campaign hub. That's in addition to more than 40 other smaller locations the campaign plans to open across the state.
In response to his visit, Republicans called out Biden's economic policies.
"Instead of paying a visit to brag about his abysmal record, the president should be offering working families an apology for Bidenomics," said Brian Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
Biden's trip comes on the heels of securing the Democratic nomination as he and Trump head towards a rematch this fall.
It also marks the president's second visit to the battleground state this year. In January, he was in Superior where he also highlighted infrastructure funding.