BRILLION (WLUK) — Governor Tony Evers is explaining how a Calumet County dredging project went from a budget veto to receiving the green light.
A $70,000 request was made to clear cattails and sediment blocking the free flow of the North Branch Manitowoc River near Brillion. Flooding from the river has taken out farmland and trees.
On Monday, FOX 11 reported Evers vetoed the dredging work, saying it was because the legislature needed to reauthorize a stewardship fund.
But Wednesday, his office announced the Wisconsin DNR and Ducks Unlimited have been working together to get the project done.
“Why didn’t you say in your veto explanation that you were working on a different funding mechanism and instead just focused on the stewardship fund?” FOX 11 asked Evers during a visit to a Seymour farm.
“When we veto something, especially partially veto something, it’s easier to talk about it in terms with you and I talking about it, rather than writing it out in the budget itself. We have different ideas for different projects, and to be honest with you, there’s a lot of need — and that needs to be across the state of Wisconsin,” Evers replied.
Preliminary plans include dredging an area about 1,100 feet long, 15-20 feet wide and 3.5-4 feet deep. Dredged materials will be spread on a nearby upland prairie grass field.
The DNR says the project will allow native plants to reestablish themselves, open areas for waterfowl and improve public access to the marsh by canoe or kayak. The dredging will eliminate flooding that affects more than 100 farmers.
Engineering work is expected to begin in the fall, with the dredging in 2026.