Governor Jim Doyle has approved a $2,256,800 project to make improvements at the J.F. Brennan Co., a full-service marine contractor in La Crosse, WI.
The company provides a wide range of marine services, including underwater bridge inspection, concrete repairs, erosion protection, sediment removal, and soil stabilization. It also constructs docks, harbors and terminals.
The money is coming from the state's Harbor Assistance Program, which provides 80 percent of the needed funds.
J.F. Brennan Co. is required to provide the remaining 20 percent.
"J.F. Brennan Company plays a critical role in the Wisconsin's transportation industry," said Governor Doyle. "This major investment will help grow J.F. Brennan and the La Crosse area economy, and I am pleased the state is able to support this harbor improvement project."
The project involves constructing more than 300 feet of steel sheet-pile dock wall. After being dredged, it will allow their floating dry dock to be used safely for barge repair.
The Harbor Assistance Program helps harbor communities maintain and improve waterborne commerce. Port projects typically involve dock reconstruction, mooring structure replacement, dredging and the construction of facilities to hold dredged material.
Since the program's beginning in 1979, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has administered over $63 million in matching funds for 63 port preservation and improvement projects.
