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Q & A relating to the coal pile relocation project

By Rep. David Steffen
4th Assembly District


Coal

In a recent Press Times Letter to the Editor, a reader asked some questions regarding the coal pile relocation and port expansion project that will soon be starting along the Fox River – you are not alone in having questions regarding this initiative.

As I’ve been working on this project for nearly eight years, I thought it would be helpful to share several questions and answers relating to this transformative, once-in-a-lifetime venture.

What is the history of the coal piles? 

Coal has been an energy source for our paper mills, foundries and utilities for more than a century.

This bulk commodity requires a lot of storage space and massive cargo ships for its delivery.

While coal has diminished as a fuel choice over the decades, it remains a vital energy source for many Northeast Wisconsin industries.  

What changed to make the move possible now?

Soon after I was elected, I met with Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt.

In that meeting, I committed my full support and effort to complete this project.

Together, the two of us met with dozens of resident groups, engineers, port experts, businesses, elected officials and community organizations to find a viable path forward.

While we were able to build significant community awareness and support, we still faced a critical obstacle: where would we relocate the existing coal storage operation?

This was a huge challenge, as the alternate location needed to be:

• Along the bay or Fox River.

• Large enough to handle the volume.

• Accessible to rail.

• Available for purchase.

These four necessary elements were difficult to find anywhere in Northeast Wisconsin.

This all changed in 2016 when Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) announced it was decommissioning its coal-fired Pullium power plant and selling 150-plus acres of the related riverfront property.

Finally, the perfect size, location, zoning and access for the coal pile relocation.

Why should I care? 

The existing coal storage site occupies a quarter-mile of the highest valued, developable real estate along the Fox River.

Unfortunately, its current use generates very little value or tax revenue for the community. Additionally, the mere presence of this dirty industrial site has thwarted surrounding west side developments.

In total, the redevelopment value of these two sites (Pullium site and current site) will produce nearly $190 million in new, taxable projects and reclaim the waterfront for public access and enjoyment.

This translates into millions of new tax dollars every year for our law enforcement, roads and schools – all without increasing your personal tax burden. 

Are you actually ‘moving’ the coal from one site to another? 

Though it is often stated that the coal piles will be “moved,” the actual process is a year-long draw down of the existing piles with future shipments arriving at the newly-established Pullium site.

No coal will be moved from one site to another. 

Aren’t they just moving one dirty coal site and creating another?  

The Pullium site is already a “dirty” site.

It has hosted massive coal piles for its entire 100-year lifespan, until the power plant was decommissioned.

While the coal is being stored at the Pulliam site, it will be subject to Wisconsin’s pollutant and runoff regulations, ensuring the bay and Fox River are protected.

In this way, we are consolidating two coal storage sites into just one.

What’s the cost, and who’s paying for it?

The total cost will likely be about $25 million.

Between various federal funds, state grants and port-related revenues, this project has already cobbled together more than $18 million in cash and property.

The remainder will likely be secured through additional port revenues and federal transportation grants.

When will it start? 

Phase 1 of the project includes upgrades and preparation of the Pullium site.

As this will be the new home for the coal piles and site of additional port-related commerce, there are significant dock wall and site prep requirements needed first.

When this process is completed, the city and Brown County will begin Phase 2, which is the reclaiming and redevelopment of the existing coal pile site near the Mason Street Bridge.

It is my hope that Phase 1 and 2 will be completed in 36 months. 

While I’m certain there are some questions that were not answered in this piece, I’m hopeful it provides you with greater insight into the historic transformation about to occur in our community.

If you would like additional information regarding this project, please feel free to contact my office by email at [email protected] or by phone at (608) 266-5840.

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