Milwaukee Riverkeeper participates in coalition calling for federal stimulus dollars to invest in Wisconsin's green economy

Milwaukee Riverkeeper joined a coalition of community-based organizations rallying support for creating green job opportunities in Wisconsin. Highlighting the green jobs component of Governor Doyle’s proposal, the groups praised the Governor’s efforts to invest in public transit, renewable energy, contaminated site clean-ups, and repair of the State’s corroding water infrastructure.
“In this time of economic hardship, a coalition of groups has come together to support the creation of family-supporting jobs in the green collar economy,” according to Melissa Scanlan, Founder and Senior Counsel, Midwest Environmental Advocates. “These will be jobs capable of providing a life-line to Wisconsin families in need and, at the same time, making Wisconsin a leader in building the green economy.”

The coalition singled out for support the projects that would actually increase the number of green jobs in Wisconsin. They include:

• Building our energy independence through renewable energy
• Retrofitting existing homes, businesses, and government buildings to make them energy efficient
• Building public transit infrastructure to efficiently connect people to jobs
• Cleaning up contaminated land and water
• Fixing leaking sewage pipes and installing best practices to reduce stormwater run-off

“These investments would create jobs that range from construction and landscaping to research and engineering. The jobs would lead to a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable Wisconsin environment,” added Dale Olen of the Sierra Club.

As a water-rich state, Wisconsin can support many green jobs that protect and improve this critical resource. “Efforts to clean up our State’s waterways will require innovative, sustainable approaches,” commented Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. “Integrating these approaches with job creation will benefit both the environment and the economy.”

Cheryl Nenn, Milwaukee Riverkeeper explained: “We need to make significant investments in repairing our failing wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. With new green jobs we can clean our rivers and Great Lakes, protect the drinking water supply, restore wildlife habitat, and improve our quality of life”

The coalition has been gathering projects in the private and public sector where federal funding could be a catalyst for green job creation. “We are looking for a commitment from the Governor and anyone that receives federal stimulus funds to prioritize projects that generate green family-supporting jobs, especially for those most in need of employment,” said Pam Fendt, Executive Director of Good Jobs, Livable Neighborhoods.