Baldwin Helps Bring Jobs, Spur Economic Development in Town of Madison

Statement

An economic development project in one of the most economically depressed and crime-ridden neighborhoods in Dane County will receive federal support thanks to the efforts of Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. Baldwin secured $500,000 in the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Other Related Agencies Appropriations Act which was passed late Friday by the House. The funds were requested by the Town of Madison to continue growing the Novation Technology Campus Redevelopment Project.

The Novation Campus is a public/private partnership currently consisting of seven buildings, including a job training center. Buildings and green space are being developed on the site of two former landfills, now "brownfields" contaminated by hazardous substances and pollutants. While extensive environmental remediation has occurred at the site, much more is needed to continue development there. Recent economic data for the neighborhood reveal that 43 percent of the population lives below the poverty level and median family income there is 30 percent of the county median.

The Novation Campus is designed to include commercial space with an emphasis on both the biotech and computer-related industries, but also retail operations for people working and living in the area. More than 1300 jobs (not including construction-related positions) are now committed to the campus with the expectation of thousands more as the campus grows.

"This is exactly the kind of public/private partnership the federal government should encourage and support," said Congresswoman Baldwin who has visited the area on several occasions. "In these very tough economic times, creating jobs is my number one priority and projects such as the Novation Campus not only create jobs, but spur more investment in parts of our community that need our attention. It's a pleasure to bring needed funds to the town, the neighborhood, and local businesses for the betterment of all," Baldwin said.

"Congresswoman Baldwin listened to our appeal and saw our vision for economic development in an infill site and former brownfield," said Town of Madison Chairperson Jim Campbell. "We very much appreciate her support of this project. The Novation Campus is bringing jobs and a renewed sense of community to a neighborhood that has suffered greatly for many years. Working together with our federal and private partners, we are creating a new environment in which businesses and families can thrive," Campbell said.

Source