City of Beloit Receives $13.48M RAISE Grant for Ho-Chunk Nation Beloit Project Infrastructure
The City of Beloit and the Ho-Chunk Nation have been informed by U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan that the City of Beloit will receive $13.4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for road improvements near Willowbrook and Colley roads.
The City of Beloit’s application for the RAISE grant was fully approved by the DOT totaling $13.48 million. The required local match for the remaining portion of the joint project will be provided by the Ho-Chunk Nation.
“The City of Beloit looks forward to collaborating with the Ho-Chunk Nation in providing enhanced infrastructure as part of this development,” said City Council President Regina Dunkin.
The road improvement project is necessary given the traffic impacts of a future casino and resort. The project includes:
- Reconstructing Willowbrook Road from Milwaukee Road to the state line with bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. This will include the construction of a new bridge and an upgraded railroad crossing.
- Reconstructing Colley Road to Gateway Boulevard with bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
- Installing a traffic signal at Milwaukee Road and Willowbrook Road.
- Improving intersections near the development project.
“Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, this vital grant will bring much-needed economic opportunity to the region,” Congressman Pocan said. “It will create jobs in the near and long term and improve safety and accessibility for so many. Thank you, Secretary Buttigieg, for recognizing Ho-Chunk Nation and Beloit for this grant.”
“As we developed the plans for our project with Beloit, we saw the need for safe and efficient roads around Willowbrook and Colley,” says Karena Thundercloud, Vice President of the Ho-Chunk Nation. “The RAISE grant helps the Ho-Chunk Nation and Beloit offer safe routes for our community and visitors, whether by car, bus, or bicycle.”
The Ho-Chunk Nation recently moved the land into trust, a requirement for the American Indian tribe to build and operate a casino. The complete project includes a hotel and convention center, waterpark, restaurants, and other amenities. Construction is expected to being in 2023.