Impact! Few words capture the meaning better than what’s happening in Norwalk right now. For nearly a decade, the Norwalk Area Fire District (NAFD) has been working toward a dream, a new, modern fire station that would finally meet the needs of its volunteer firefighters. Thanks to a $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and a team effort, that dream is about to become reality.
Step inside the existing fire station, and it’s easy to see why this project is so critical. At just over 3,000 square feet, the current building can barely squeeze in 5 to 6 vehicles. Trucks and equipment must be strategically packed in, leaving little room for firefighters to suit up quickly in emergencies. The existing station was never designed to be a firehouse in the first place; it was converted from a farm implement shop.
The building’s challenges don’t end there; with doorways that are only 10 feet high, the NAFD has been limited in the size and type of vehicles they can purchase. There is a cramped meeting room with seating for only about 12. Over the last several years, the NAFD has had 19 volunteers and now has over 20. Additionally, when seconds matter most, the firefighters experience a tight turn radius when exiting the garage on a call.
The fire district knew its current station was outdated and too small, but finding the right funding path hadn’t been easy. That’s when GEC’s Grants and Funding Administrator, Elizabeth Shumate, stepped in. The district had been exploring USDA funds, but she asked the key question: “Have you considered other funding sources?“
Her research revealed that the district was a strong candidate for CDBG funding. The process kicked off in the fall of 2024, starting with the compilation of income data for the communities served: the Village of Norwalk, the Town of Ridgeville, and portions of the towns of Sheldon and Wells. An income survey for the covered portions of the Towns of Sheldon and Wells included mailings, online forms, and even door-to-door outreach. After months of waiting, the state approved the survey in April 2025.
With just weeks to pull the full application together, Shumate and architect Greg Cashman got to work, with GEC’s structural team providing critical support on structural calculations. By May 2025, the application had been submitted, and in August, the district received the news they had been waiting for – they had been awarded the maximum $1 million grant.
With the future in mind, this new facility will be a game-changer. The new facility will feature over 9,000 square feet on the main floor plus a 2,024-square-foot mezzanine, nearly four times the space firefighters have now. The new design includes a space large enough for their existing fleet and room to expand, with taller doorways for newer, larger trucks. A spacious meeting and training room to comfortably fit all volunteers, plus extras. A full kitchen, bathrooms, prep room with showers and laundry, and an office space for district staff. The new site will have better road access for responding to calls, allowing the team to get to emergencies quickly.
Construction is set to begin in spring 2026, with substantial completion expected that fall. The $2.2 million project will be funded through a combination of the $1 million grant, district savings, community fundraising, and generous donations.
The impact for small communities like those within the Norwalk Area Fire District is more than just a new building; it is an investment in safety, preparedness, and the volunteers who dedicate their time to protect their neighbors. As the walls of the new fire station rise, so does the community’s confidence that its firefighters will have the space, tools, and accessibility they need to do their job safely and effectively.
Something we drive, bike, and walk on every day is probably not something most think about, just that it is always there and available. What are we thinking of? Roads, streets, sidewalks, and more! However, when something does go wrong with these, that’s when others notice, because it usually becomes a hindrance for them when navigating the roads to their home, work, or somewhere they need to be.
That’s why several Wisconsin communities are taking proactive steps to strengthen both what we see and what we don’t – roads, sidewalks, and the utilities underneath. The City of Markesan and the Villages of Iron Ridge and Clyman recently received major funding awards to upgrade their streets, water systems, and utilities. Improvements that will ensure safer roads, cleaner water, and a stronger foundation for the future.
In Markesan, eight streets are being updated thanks to a combination of funding sources, including a $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), two Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) awards, and support from the Clean Water Fund and Safe Drinking Water Loan Program through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Altogether, seven different funding programs were used to make the most of every dollar. A smart, collaborative effort that saves the community money while delivering long-term improvements.
Among the most impactful upgrades are the replacement of private lead service lines, a cost that would typically fall to homeowners. By securing Safe Drinking Water funding, Markesan residents will see direct savings while ensuring cleaner, safer water from main to tap.
The Village of Iron Ridge is also investing in the future, with $950,300 in CDBG funds and LRIP support to improve utility systems, water drainage, and roadway conditions. Similarly, the Village of Clyman received a $1 million CDBG award for critical water system upgrades, including SCADA automation for its three wells. Once complete, the Village will move from manual daily well changes to a fully automated system, improving efficiency and reliability. Clyman’s water tower will also receive a complete sandblasting and recoating, improving both quality and longevity.
While these projects may not make headlines like new parks or community centers, they are the quiet work that keeps our communities moving. Good roads and reliable utilities protect property, improve safety, and enhance quality of life.
For General Engineering Company, helping our communities, such as Markesan, Iron Ridge, and Clyman, with securing and coordinating multiple funding sources is part of what we do to support them and help them thrive – finding creative ways to deliver more value for the community’s dollar! This is one way we can help and support. Because when we invest in what’s beneath the pavement, we are not just fixing roads and pipes, we are strengthening the foundation of everyday life.
Wisconsin is known for its stunning natural beauty, with many of its most remarkable landscapes shaped by water. For locals and visitors alike, the state’s waterways offer endless opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and more. Portage, WI, is ideally situated between the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, making it a perfect spot for water enthusiasts. However, not everyone can easily access these waterways and enjoy the paddling adventures that others take for granted.
To address this, the Portage community came together for an inspiring project: creating an accessible canoe and kayak launch at the city’s Hwy 33 Wayside Landing, near the historic Fort Winnebago site on the Fox River. This launch location is particularly unique as it sits near the historic surgeon quarters of Fort Winnebago, where U.S. Army surgeons once resided.
The launch was designed to be accessible to everyone, providing a safe and easy way for those with mobility challenges to enjoy the river. Our talented team at General Engineering Company (GEC), including Kory Anderson and Scott Richardson, generously donated over 15 hours of their time to this project. They meticulously developed the site plan for the 155-foot sidewalk, ensuring it met ADA compliance while providing direct access to the canoe/kayak launch. Kory, our Vice President, also played a role in coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Portage Park and Recreation Director Toby Monogue to confirm the surrounding wetland locations and assisted with the project’s construction coordination.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication placed into this project, many people can now experience the Fox River in an inclusive and accessible way, highlighting what a community can achieve when it comes together to solve a problem.
Project Notes:
- Community project in partnership with the Portage Park and Recreation, the Portage Service Club Association, and the Portage Chamber of Commerce.
- A grant was obtained to help support the project.
GEC Services Provided Include:
- Civil site design
General Engineering Company (GEC) participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Manufacturing Residence Hall (MRH)-Portage housing project in Portage, WI on Tuesday, March 19. Collaborating with the City of Portage, Manufacturing Resident Hall (MRH), and Holtz Builders, GEC is enthusiastic about its involvement in this Affordable Workforce Housing initiative. While accessible to all, the project primarily aims to address the housing needs of manufacturing employees in the area.
The project comprises multiple phases. The first phase involves the construction of three 3-story multifamily dormitory-style buildings, providing a total of 81 units. Each unit will accommodate two residents and feature a full bathroom, microwave, and fridge. Additionally, each floor will offer a communal kitchen space. The buildings will be equipped with 24-hour on-site management, ensuring security around the clock.
Future phases will consist of up to two more dormitory buildings along with five traditional-style apartment buildings. Each apartment building will comprise of 16 units, with one- and two-bedroom units.
The MRH-Portage housing project marks the 6th collaboration between GEC, IRH/MRH, and Holtz Builders. Other notable locations where GEC has contributed its services include Dollywood in Pigeon Falls, TN, Silver Dollar City in Branson West, MO, Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, MO, Foley, AL (adjacent to Gulf Shores), and Myrtle Beach, SC.
The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) created the “Routes to Recovery: Local Government Aid Grants” to provide funding to all Wisconsin local governments for COVID-19 recovery needs. Local governments include every County, City, Village, Town, and federally recognized Tribe. The State allocated a grant amount to every community from which they can draw funds. This is a reimbursement program; therefore, communities must show proof of payment prior to requesting funds from the State.
There are three reporting periods during which communities can submit expenses for reimbursement. The first was July 1-15. The next reporting period is September 1-15. The final reporting period is November 7-18. Any eligible expenses incurred between March 1 and November 6, 2020 can be reimbursed through this program. Each community is allowed one (1) submission per reporting period. All submissions must be made through the DOA’s “Expense Reporter” application on their website.
General Engineering Company’s Grants and Funding staff monitor the Routes to Recovery and other programs to assist our clients and all municipalities through these unprecedented events. We are here to answer your questions, help navigate this and other programs, and to maximize your allocated funds.
Please contact our Grants & Funding Coordinator, Elizabeth Foellmi, today!
(608) 742-2169
GEC donated $9,000 of in-kind work to the Portage Service Club Association. This work is for the Pauquette Park project.
Learn more in this article from the Portage Daily Register:
$9,000 in-kind donation made to park project
GEC donated $9,000 of in-kind work to the Portage Service Club Association. This work is for the Pauquette Park project.
Learn more in this article from the Portage Daily Register:
