MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the Wisconsin State Building Commission approved a total of $48.3 million in key projects across the state.

“Through the approval of dozens of building projects this year so far, the State Building Commission has consistently worked to improve the lives of Wisconsinites across our state in communities of all sizes, and today’s projects are no different,” said Gov. Evers. “Each of these projects approved today are critically important to ensure Wisconsinites have the quality care, services, and resources they deserve and expect from their state government.”

Highlights of the Commission’s approved projects include:

• Release of Non-State Grant funds for the construction of a 79,000-gross-square-foot addition to the Versiti Blood Research Institute facility on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus in Wauwatosa. This project was specifically enumerated in 2023 Wisconsin Act 19. This expansion is pivotal for enhancing research capabilities in blood cancers, hematology, cellular therapy, and immunology, aiming to pioneer more effective immunotherapies and cancer treatments.
• Construction of an equipment storage facility at the Wisconsin Rapids Service Center, providing centralized storage and protection for six Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs.
• Development of a new storage garage at the Schmeeckle Reserve on the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Stevens Point campus to support increased land management activities and accommodate additional restroom and amphitheater facilities alongside groundskeeping equipment.
• Authorization for 19 facility maintenance and repair projects across multiple state agencies, including: upgrades to heating, cooling, telephone, and security systems for Wisconsin Department of Health Services facilities; heating, cooling, and roof replacements for Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs facilities; bridge repairs, fish hatchery repairs, and building envelope replacements at DNR facilities; a roof replacement for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction; food service upgrades for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs; and utility system replacements, bike path improvements, and event space upgrades to multiple campuses across the UW System.

The State Building Commission is chaired by Gov. Evers and comprised of the following members:

• State Sen. Brad Pfaff;
• State Sen. Joan Ballweg;
• State Sen. André Jacque;
• State Rep. Jill Billings; 
• State Rep. Rob Swearingen;
• State Rep. Robert Wittke; and
• Citizen Member Barb Worcester.