Waukesha Times

As of Wednesday, September 18, 2024, all Waukesha County Board committees have completed their review of Waukesha County’s 2025-2029 Capital Projects Plan. The comprehensive plan focuses on enhancing county infrastructure and community services. County Executive Paul Farrow submitted the plan to the County Board of Supervisors on August 30th. Final passage from committees will take place on October 14th. The full board is anticipated to vote on it during their October 22nd meeting.

The 2025-2029 Capital Plan dedicates funding for the next construction phase for the courthouse renovation project, repaving, rehabilitation of County Trunk Highways, and improvements to park infrastructure and county facilities.

“It’s our duty to exercise prudent financial management to safeguard taxpayer dollars. However, it is equally important to invest in key infrastructure and community improvements that will drive long-term growth and enhance the quality of life for our residents. Balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments ensures a prosperous future for Waukesha County,” said County Executive Paul Farrow.

Courthouse Renovation:

$20.4 million is allocated for the 2025 Courthouse Project Step II. This phase will renovate the 1959 Courthouse to enhance security, refurbish the East/West wing on the second floor and the existing County Board space. Additionally, it will update aging and outdated facility systems to support the county's growth for the next fifty years. Final funding is planned for 2026, with completion anticipated in 2027.

Transportation/Infrastructure:

The 2025 Capital Projects Budget provides about $5.2 million toward the rehabilitation of CTH O (Moorland Road), between CTH ES (National Avenue) and CTH D (Cleveland Avenue) in the City of New Berlin as part of a multi-year effort to improve multiple segments along one of the county’s busiest highways. $1.5 million will go towards replacing a salt dome which collapsed earlier this year.

Justice and Law Enforcement Program:

Sheriff’s Department - The budget also initiates efforts to address increasing inmate population at the jail with $250,000 toward a study to evaluate construction options.

Emergency Preparedness - There is a total of $470,000 budgeted to replace the roof and uninterruptible power supply at the Communication Center in 2025.

Parks and Land Use:

Design is underway for phase V of the Lake Country Trail, a 2.25-mile trail that would combine an off-road trail facility with on-road accommodations to link the Lake Country Trail at Roosevelt Park in the City of Oconomowoc with the proposed Jefferson County Interurban Trail at the Waukesha/Jefferson County line. This $2 million project is largely funded through federal, state, and local partnerships, with the county’s share at $74,000. Construction is planned for 2026. Naga-Waukee War Memorial and Moor Downs golf courses, Eble and Naga-Waukee ice arenas, and Expo Center will also undergo infrastructure upgrades.

“In recent years we have seen costs increase faster than our revenue sources or tax levy limit can keep up with," Farrow added."This reality makes shifting things into five-year capital plans necessary for us to maintain quality services our county expects.”

About The 2025 Waukesha County Capital Projects Plan

The 2025-2029 Capital Projects Plan dedicates funding for all major projects in county budgets over five years focusing on essential infrastructure projects supporting safety and economic development in communities.