On Monday, August 5, the Village Board considered and approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the City of Kenosha for the reconstruction of HWY 50 (75th Street) from I-94 to 43rd Avenue.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2020. The $87 million state transportation project includes widening roads from four to six lanes between 116th Avenue and 57th Avenue. The project also includes reconstructing the current four-lane road between 57th Avenue and 43rd Avenue, implementing access management measures, and improving intersections and road access connections.
The Village agreement consists of acquisition and purchase of 109th Avenue (south of HWY 50) along with payment of $1.5 million to the State Transportation Department as the local contribution to the project, and reimbursement of real estate acquisition receipt provided by the City for up to $900,000, with exception of any right-of-way acquisition for property owned by the City of Kenosha.
The Village opted to assist the City with right of way acquisition in order to close negotiations and move the project forward. The City lacked interest in committing any additional funds toward the project, indifferent of the benefits. The State will be contributing more than $80 million towards the project. “It is a reflection on Village philosophy,” said Village Administrator Nathan Thiel, “We see roads and infrastructure as a worthy investment; not a cost to avoid.” Compared to the total project cost the Village’s participation will be less than $3 million.