DOT, Evers announce grant to help build Polk County industrial park

MILLTOWN, Wis. (WLAK) – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Gov. Tony Evers are announcing a grant to help build a new industrial park in Polk County.

The $232,360 grant will allow RockShield Rubber Company grow into the new industrial park located in the village of Milltown, which is about five miles north of Balsam Lake.

The Transportation Economic Assistance grant will help build two roadways and sites for future business expansion, according to a release from Gov. Evers.

“This is an exciting project in Northwestern Wisconsin that will create new jobs and establish a new industrial park for future expansion,” Gov. Evers said. “By working closely with our local partners and communities, we’re ensuring our infrastructure is ready for the 21st century, helping to move our economy and our state forward.”

The grant program has helped in creating new economic opportunities in Wisconsin, according to the Wis. DOT.

“We are excited to see Milltown succeed with this project and thank all involved for their hard work,” Craig Thompson, Wis. DOT Secretary, said.

A Polk County official expressed gratitude for the grant award.

“We try very hard to make our community a great place to live and work,” LuAnne White, Milltown Village President, said. “Thanks to this grant, we are able to acquire another new business, and possibly one more.” We couldn’t have done this without your assistance.”

RockShield will construct a $4 million, 42,000 sq. ft. facility as part of the project.

“The improvement and expansion of the infrastructure surrounding the new Milltown industrial park will allow us to nearly double the footprint we have now,” Gabe Feuerhelm, President of RockShield Rubber Company, said. “It will also guarantee room for future expansion as our young company continues to grow, which will result in more job creation for this rural area of Wisconsin.”

“Because of the support we’ve received, we plan to stay in the area for a very long time,” Feuerhelm said.

According to the Wis. DOT, the Transportation Economic Assistance grant program is set up to help communities in funding transportation infrastructure improvements with a goal of attracting new businesses or expanding existing ones. Municipal or county governments must sponsor an application for the grant under the condition that it must benefit the public.

More information about the program, including instructions on how to apply for a grant, can be found on the Wisconsin DOT website. The program has been in place since 1987 and has awarded more than $120 million in grants.