THE THREE QUESTIONS

To be successful in running any business, and in guiding our federal government, there are three essential questions that must be answered. Will it work? Can we afford it? And most importantly, is it the right (ethical) thing to do?

To answer these questions, it requires good judgment and in many cases a lifetime of experience, all of which I used in determining which federal programs and projects to personally endorse. And I will proudly stand by every project that my constituents and I have requested.

WISCONSIN IS 47th

I also kept in mind that, according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, Wisconsin ranks 47th among the 50 states when it comes to getting our tax dollars back from the federal government. I’m working hard to change this by bringing back every dollar I can to Wisconsin.

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

This is the most transparent process in the history of the United States Congress.

Transparency and accountability are the hallmarks of this process. You deserve to know exactly how your money is being used and who has requested the use of your tax dollars. For each project I submitted, I also disclose the amount of money being requested, the name and address of the entity that could possibly receive federal funding, a description of the investment, and a signed certificate attesting to the fact that neither I or anyone in my family would benefit financially. This certification will also be available on the Internet at least 48 hours before I vote on appropriation bills. Additionally, should funding be approved for a project or program I submit, my name will appear next to it within the bill authorizing the funding.

As part of the new reforms, the appropriate federal agency will be given 20 days to confirm that the proposed project is eligible for funding. For-profit entities that are approved for funding must compete for the right to secure that funding, and if any problems arise after passage, Congress may consider proposals suggested by the President to rescind specific projects or programs.

FUNDING REQUESTS

For your benefit, I have listed below all of the federal funding requests I will make for appropriations in fiscal year 2010.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, your family and your community.

Sincerely,

Steve Kagen, M.D.
Member of Congress

 

Number of Projects Submitted To My Office 115	Total Cost of Projects Submitted To My Office $490,914,910
Number of Projects I Requested of the Appropriations Committee 44	Total Cost of Projects I Requested of the Appropriations Committee $90,821,744

• Algoma Harbor , WI (Amount: $5,905,000)

This is a continuation of authorized activities under the River & Harbor Act of 1871. The Algoma harbor channels are stable and require only infrequent dredging; the harbor was last dredged in 1993 and is currently in need of dredging. The harbor 's breakwater is also in need of repair. This project was requested by the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Army RDT&E for the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (Amount: $10,000,000)

The Army 's Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A3 program is a research effort to significantly reduce weight, improve transportability, mobility, material handling capability, and fuel efficiency for the HEMTT fleet while simplifying maintenance tasks and reducing operational costs. This project supports 3,411 employees. It was requested by Oshkosh Corp. of 2307 Oregon St. in Oshkosh , WI .

• Backlog Maintenance Dredging, Green Bay Harbor, WI (Amount: $6,000,000)

This is a continuation of authorized activities. The Green Bay Harbor is the 106th leading US port with just over 2.6 million tons of material shipped or received in 2006. 100,000 to 250,000 cubic yards of material must be dredged each year to provide for one-way vessel traffic. The harbor was last dredged in 2008. This project was requested the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Badger Hydroelectric Project (Amount: $9,200,000)

The Badger Hydroelectric Project will replace two outdated and inefficient hydroelectric generating facilities constructed in the early 1900s and increase the amount of renewable energy generating capacity by 40%. The process decommissions two powerhouses, Old and New Badger and constructs a new powerhouse.  This project was requested by Kaukauna Utilities of 777 Island St, Kaukauna, WI.

• Big Suamico River, WI (Amount: $550,000)

This is a continuation of authorized activities under the River & Harbor Act of 1937. This river requires periodic maintenance dredging on a 5 to 7 year cycle of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 cubic yards. The harbor was last dredged in 2002. This project serves as an important Harbor of Refuge and supports charter fishing and recreational navigation interests. This project was requested by the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Brown County Library Renovation - Brown Co., WI (Amount: $950,000)

The purpose of this project is to renovate the Brown County Public Library by bringing the library into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and modernizing the facility by replacing unsafe or outdated technology and wiring. This project is estimated to create 65 jobs. It was requested by the Brown County Library, 515 Pine St., Green Bay, WI.

• Chronic Wasting Disease (Amount: $1,023,659)

This project will facilitate the application of official animal ID that will not get lost in a hunting preserve environment. This will also mitigate the trace difficulties attributed to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) samples from deer whose only identification is a carcass tag that was applied at death. It was requested by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, of 2811 Agriculture Dr. in Madison, WI.

• City of Appleton Fox Riverfront Connections Plan - Appleton, WI ($900,000)

This project would use the funds to improve public access to the Fox River by creating a pedestrian walkway to the riverside from Lutz Park to Vulcan Heritage Park. The Fox River is an important asset to the local economy and is a significant natural resource for Appleton. This project would also give boaters using the soon-to-be-opened Fox River Navigational Authority Lock System access to Appleton’s downtown area. The development of this pedestrian connection includes land acquisition, final engineering, construction and permitting. This project was requested by the City of Appleton, 1819 Witzke Boulevard, Appleton, WI.

• Cormorant Breeding Population Reduction (Amount: $37,000)

The number of cormorants has increased during the past 20 years throughout the Great Lakes region to levels that have caused concerns about the adverse impact on commercial and sport fishing, island vegetation, and the displacement of water-birds that are nesting in the same area. Wisconsin DNR’s goal is to reduce the current breeding population of cormorants in the east-central part of the state from 16,000 pairs to 6,000 pairs. This allocation to Wisconsin would compliment and amplify the efforts in Michigan.It was requested by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, of 2811 Agriculture Dr. in Madison, WI.

• Crandon , WI Clinic Replacement Project ($2,000,000)

This project would build a 13,000 sq. foot medical clinic to replace the out-of-date and inadequate clinic currently at Ministry Health. The new facility will house 13 examination rooms, space for radiology, lab, physical rehabilitation, behavioral health services, support services and others. This project is estimated to create 2 jobs. This project was requested by Ministry Healthcare of 209 E. Elm Street, Crandon, WI 54520

• Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley, Appleton WI (Amount: $350,000)

This funding would support the implementation of a permanent housing program which would be modeled after the successful Housing First program in Los Angeles, CA. This program would provide permanent housing to chronically homeless individuals by acquiring and rehabbing five houses for the purpose of creating at least 10 units of housing. This project is estimated to create 3 jobs. It was requested by the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley of 400 N. Division St. in Appleton, WI.

• Fox Valley Technical College Medical Technology Training Program (Amount: $940,000)

The project consists of three components aimed at increasing access to medical training technology, including rural Human Patient Simulator technology, a simulation center at the Oshkosh FVTC campus, and a program for advanced skills training for current medical workers. This project was requested by Fox Valley Technical College of 1825 N. Bluemound Dr., Appleton, WI.

• Future Farmers of America – Youth Rural Outreach Partnership (Amount: $3,000,000)

The Rural Youth Grants program is a national program that provides funds to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) to engage rural youth, develop their leadership capacities and strengthen their connections to their communities. It was requested by the National FFA Organization of 1410 King Street, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA .

• Green Bay Metro Transit ( Green Bay, WI) (Amount: $2,500,000)

This project will reconstruct the rural 4-lane section of US 45 to an urban 4-lane road - from Reinke Road to Waupaca County Highway near Clintonville, WI. The project will involve grading, base course, paving, lighting and upgrading the bicycle and pedestrian areas of this corridor.

It was requested by Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 4802 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI.

• Green Bay YWCA After-School Programs (Amount: $750,000)

These funds will go to developing three after-school programs at the Green Bay, WI YWCA for at-risk youth. The first is the “YWCA After-School Program,” which is aimed at improving school performance. The other two are the “TechGYRLS” program and the “Life Inc.” program,” and are aimed at expanding career options for at-risk youth. This project is estimated to create 14 jobs. It was requested by the YWCA of Green Bay, WI.

• Johne’s Disease Management (Amount: $1,630,000)

As a leader in agriculture, WI must play a role in developing and implementing strategies to control and prevent Johne 's disease. With the help of federal funding that has been provided since 2003, the state has begun to form such a program. Specific activities slated to take place are education, on-farm consultation, sharing the cost of purchasing equipment, establishing bio-security measures, expanding laboratory capacity, and vaccination. It was requested by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, of 2811 Agriculture Dr. in Madison, WI.

• Kewaunee Harbor , WI (Amount: $1,872,000)

This is a continuation of authorized activities. Kewaunee Harbor is a commercial area that currently serves primarily recreational boat traffic and also supports transitory barge traffic. Maintenance dredging of approximately 50,000 cubic yards is required on a three-to-five year cycle. In 2008 only 13,500 cubic yards of critical shoaling was removed from the harbor. There is still a critical need for dredging in this harbor. This harbor is vital to supporting the Government Floating Plant on Lake Michigan. This project was requested the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Lac du Flambeau Natural Resources Protection (Amount: $249,000)

This funding would be used to support wildlife and fishery management activities. The natural resources on the Reservation are vital to the economic and cultural activities of the tribe and to the tourism and recreational industries of Northern Wisconsin. This project is estimated to create five jobs. It was requested by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of 602 Peace Pipe Road in Lac du Flambeau, WI.

• Marquette University 's School of Dentistry Comprehensive Outreach Program (Amount $846,000)

This funding would support a comprehensive dental outreach program that would target under-served areas of Wisconsin. It would work in conjunction with existing clinics in Appleton (associated w/Tri-County Health Clinic), Eau Claire ( Chippewa Valley Technical College), and Stevens Point (Ministry Health Care Community Dental Clinic). Specifically, the project would provide training in advanced general dentistry and standard clinical procedures in order to better serve low-income populations. This project was requested by Marquette University of 1616 W. Wells St. Milwaukee, WI.

• Menominee Circles (Amount $500,000)

This funding would be used to run the Menominee Circles program which is a high-impact, community initiative to reduce poverty. This project is estimated to create 30 jobs. This project was requested by the Menominee School District of N522 Highway 47/55, Keshena, WI.

• Menominee Harbor , WI (Amount: $1,011,000)

This is continuation of authorized activities. Menominee Harbor is a deep-draft commercial harbor where some 400,000 tons of material were shipped or received in 2004 in over 2 miles of maintained channel. This Harbor needs approximately 20,000 to 25,000 cubic yards of material must be dredged from the channel on a 5-to-10 year cycle. The downstream end of the harbor was last dredged in 2008. This project was requested the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• National Animal Identification System and Livestock Premises Registration (Amount: $2,000,000)

This project would develop a prototype for tracing animal diseases. The first step will require the development of processes to consolidate animal identification data from various sources. Next, animal identification data will be integrated with livestock premises data to facilitate mapping of animal movements using geographic information system (GIS) tools. It was requested by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, of 2811 Agriculture Dr. in Madison, WI.

• Navy AIT Logistics Modernization Initiative (Amount: $2,500,000)

The lack of modern equipment and technologies poses a financial and human performance burden on naval supply and logistics operations. This initiative would utilize RFID (?) tags and other modern supply chain management technology to help Navy personnel assigned to logistics duties at State facilities to perform their duties more effectively and efficiently. This project is estimated to create 50 jobs. It was requested by Zebra Technologies, Corp. of W6369 Levi Drive in Greenville, WI.

• Navy RDT&E: Bow Lifting Body (BLB) Project 60 (Amount $9,000,000)

The Bow Lifting Body (BLB) ship configuration research conducted by the Office of Naval Research over the past 4 years has resulted in the development of a hull that promises to be an exceptional improvement over conventional ship designs. Computer modeling and the results from sea trials of an ocean-going 70’scale model demonstrator craft have confirmed there is less drag over a wide range of speeds compared to conventional mono-hull ships. These tests also demonstrated a significant reduction in ship motions that make for a more sea- kindly and comfortable ride. The BLB Ship characteristics would provide a smaller and less-costly ship the seaworthiness of a much larger ship. The use of this important hull could be applied to a range of naval missions. This project is estimated to create 45 jobs. It was requested by Fincantieri Marine Group of 1600 Ely Street in Marinette, WI.

• Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Renewable Energy Center Training Equipment ($472,000)

This project would allow the Renewable Energy Training Center at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to purchase training equipment for solar photovoltaic, thermal and hot water systems, bio-fuels, as well as wind & fuel cell technology. The Center will provide training to at least 200 electricians, contractors and trades people; 100 dislocated workers; 30 energy management technicians; and 30 utility engineering technicians. This project was requested by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College of 2740 West Mason Street, Green Bay, WI

• Oconto Harbor , WI (Amount: $350,000)

This is a continuation of authorized activities. Oconto Harbor needs infrequent maintenance dredging due to shoaling. The harbor was last dredged in 1992.

This project was requested the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Outagamie County Regional Airport Terminal Concourse Solar Heating System - Outagamie Co., WI (Amount: $1,200,000)

This project would fund the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the airport concourse to provide the energy source for the in-floor radiant heat system. This would convert a traditional boiler heating system to a solar system. The project will also include an energy-monitoring system that will be visible to the public. This project is estimated to create 75 jobs. It was requested by the Outagamie County Regional Airport, W6390 Challenger Dr., Appleton, WI.

• Pensaukee Harbor , WI (Amount $667,000)

This is a continuation of authorized activities. Located on the western shore of Green Bay, WI, about 20 miles north of the Port of Green Bay and authorized under the River and Harbor Act of 26 August 1937, the Pensaukee Harbor requires infrequent maintenance dredging. The harbor was last dredged in 1993. This project serves primarily charter fishing and recreational navigation. The local community has established a significant infrastructure around the harbor facilities that generates income from users of the harbor and visitors to the area.  This project was requested the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Peter Christensen Health Center - Dental Clinic Expansion(Amount: $140,000)

This funding would allow Peter Christensen Health Center (PCHC) to expand its operations - including four new operatory (chairs), x-ray equipment, and other miscellaneous equipment. The Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which can apply for an enhanced reimbursement rate, and accept Medical Assistance patients. Due to its size and limited services, PCHC is unable to serve other WI residents. This project was requested by the Peter Christensen Health Center of 450 Old Abe Road in Lac du Flambeau, WI.

• Peter Christensen Health Clinic - Pediatric Dental, EMS, & Mobile Mammography Expansion (Amount: $220,000)

This funding would purchase two ambulances for emergency medical services and acquire a vehicle to conduct mammograms. As a rural community, Lac du Flambeau needs additional on-site EMT resources to save lives. In addition, PCHC is uniquely positioned to improve access to preventative screenings, as well as provide education and other services to women. The current non-Native American provider only visits the area one day a month with an average of 12-16 patients per visit. Only 25% of the 740 eligible female patients currently receive preventative measures. This project is expected to create 10 jobs. It was requested by the Peter Christensen Health Center of 450 Old Abe Road in Lac du Flambeau, WI.

• Port Washington Island , WI (Amount: $150,000)

This is a continuation of authorized activities. Washington Island, WI has two shallow-draft recreational harbors - Detroit Harbor and Jackson Harbor. Both harbors require infrequent maintenance dredging. The last dredging was in 1939. Since this dredging, the Washington Island Ferry Line has updated and increased the size of its ferries to meet the growing needs of local commerce. Consequently, the current largest ferries have drafts of 12 feet plus depending upon loaded cargo. This results in unsafe transits for the ferries when lake levels are low or when weather conditions are adverse. This project was requested the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Processed Meat Innovation Center (Amount: $900,000)

The federal funds would be used to help WI state-inspected meat plants that are currently making value-added meat products through a Processed Meat Innovation Center. Modeled on the successful Dairy Business Innovation Center, the Processed Meat Innovation Center will allow Wisconsin meat processors to receive one-on-one marketing assistance from industry experts. Market planning, business development strategies, product development and brand development, as well as label and package design will be primary components. It was requested by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, of 2811 Agriculture Dr. in Madison, WI.

• Restoration of the Cat Islands Chain, WI (Amount: $175,000)

The purpose of the project is to restore environmentally-significant islands in the lower Green Bay by using clean navigational dredge materials. 2.5M cubic yards of clean outer harbor dredge material will be needed to restore the islands and will take several decades to complete. The islands will be engineered with a hardening foundation which will permanently maintain the foundation of the islands. This project was requested the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Road Construction, County Highway B, Coleman, WI (Amount: $2,445,000)

The purpose of this project is to provide utility and roadway reconstruction of County Highway B East and a portion of West Main Street in Coleman, WI. The funds will be used to reconstruct the sanitary sewer and water main on this section of roadway. This project has been planned since 2000, but funds were never available to carry it out. This project is estimated to create 30 jobs. It was requested by the City of Coleman, 202 E Main St., Coleman, WI.

• Saint Norbert College Science Project (Amount: $910,000)

The St. Norbert College Science Project will use funds to better prepare students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Federal funds will be directed toward instructional technology, laboratory equipment and instrumentation as well as science discovery center supplies. This project was requested by St. Norbert College of 100 Grant Street, De Pere, WI.

• Sturgeon Bay Harbor and Lake Michigan Ship Canal, WI (Amount: $6,255,000)

This is a continuation of authorized activities. Sturgeon Bay Harbor and Lake Michigan Ship Canal is a deep-draft commercial harbor which shipped or received 129,000 tons of material in 2004. This project needs approximately 150,000 cubic yards of material dredged on a 5-year cycle. The harbor was last dredged in 2008. Section N of the South Revetment and South Breakwater are in need of repair. Due to cost considerations, the breakwater may have to be repaired in phases over several years. This project was requested the Army Corps of Engineers of 477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI.

• Suamico River Restoration (Amount: $199,135)

The purpose of this project is to redesign stream channels in the Suamico River and restore them to their natural state in order to facilitate the spawning of northern pike. It was requested by the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin of N7210 Seminary Road in Oneida , WI .

• US Highway 45 ( Reinke Rd. - County Highway I) (Amount: $2,000,000)

This project will reconstruct the rural 4-lane section of US 45 to an urban 4-lane road - from Reinke Road to Waupaca County Highway near Clintonville, WI. The project will involve grading, base course, paving, lighting and the upgrading of bicycle and pedestrian areas of this corridor.

It was requested by Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 4802 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI.

• US Highway 141 Water Main and Sewage - Niagara, WI (Amount: $4,075,000)

This project would fund the reconstruction of approximately 3 miles of water main and sanitary sewers in the USH 141 corridor between Cardin St. and the Menominee River in Niagara, WI. The project would also fund the construction of a new elevated water storage tank and appurtenances in the middle pressure zone of the Water System. The roadway reconstruction will be completed under the direction of WISDOT. This project is estimated to create 175 jobs. It was requested by the City of Niagara, 1029 Roosevelt Road, Niagara, WI.

• Viral Hemmorrhagic Septicema (VHS) Management (Amount: $588,000)

Federal funding would be used for VHS testing and data analysis to monitor and ensure the health of this vital industry. This request would fund six positions and equipment for VHS testing. It was requested by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, of 2811 Agriculture Dr. in Madison, WI.

• Waste Water Treatment Plan Methane Co-Generation ($410,000)

The project would develop a plan to harness excess methane emitted as a byproduct of the waste treatment process by installing a 65 kW turbine unit that would provide power to the treatment process and also put the excess energy back onto the power grid. The federal funds will be used to buy equipment and pay for installation. The city will pay engineering costs. This project was requested by the City of Waupaca, of 111 S Main St, Waupaca, WI.

• Waupaca Rural Broadband Service Expansion, Waupaca, WI (Amount: $96,350)

This project would fund the necessary hardware, software and installation costs associated with expanding rural broadband service throughout Waupaca, WI. This project is estimated to create 2 jobs. It was requested by the City of Waupaca, 111 S. Main St., Waupaca, WI.

• Wisconsin and Massachusetts Cranberry Research Initiative (Amount: $374,368)

The Wisconsin and Massachusetts Cranberry Research Initiative would fund additional Agricultural Research Service scientists at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, an environmental engineering scientist at the University of Massachusetts Cranberry Research Station, and other costs associated with assisting the cranberry industry in the States of Wisconsin and Massachusetts in complying with the research provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill. It was requested by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, of 2811 Agriculture Dr. in Madison, WI.

• Wisconsin Height Modernization Program (Amount: $2,550,000)

The goal of the Wisconsin Height Modernization Program is to decrease the cost of surveying required for transportation-related projects, improve the quality of surveys, and provide a more accurate database to the variety of users throughout the state. It was requested by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 4802 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI.