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 natural beauty of Wisconsin is truly remarkable, but the Wisconsin Dells landscape stands out as a must-see experience. When the Makowski brothers acquired over 100 acres near the Wisconsin River, they saw the opportunity to create a natural escape within the City of Wisconsin Dells. They named this haven “Land of Natura,” drawing from the Polish word “natura,” which means “nature.”
General Engineering Company (GEC) was entrusted with assisting the Makowski’s on this multi-phase project. The initial phase, encompassing approximately 40 acres, focused on creating Lake Wisconsin Dells. A notable aspect of Phase I was the excavation of a 4-acre lake. To manage the excess dirt and rock, a “mountain” structure, known as Mt. Natura, was constructed, reaching over 60 feet in height. During the summer months, Mt. Natura serves as a platform for slides, adding to the recreational appeal of the area.
Lake Wisconsin Dells is distinguished by its natural filtration system. Water is pumped up through the bottom of the filter pond, passing through milk crate-like structures filled with rock, before returning to the lake, effectively naturally filtering the water.
Visitors to the Land of Natura can indulge in various natural attractions, including Lake Wisconsin Dells. The lake hosts the world’s largest inflatable Wibit course, provided by a company specializing in floating water parks. Additionally, the Aquatica Region features north and south sand beaches, the picturesque Crystal Cascades waterfall, Fish Hook island, a snorkeling cavern, a cafeteria-style restaurant and bar, and numerous shoreline courts for sand volleyball and other recreational activities. Additionally, guests can explore other areas of the property including sandstone rock outcroppings, a 1,000-foot-long treetop walkway, and over 2,000 feet of private beach along the Wisconsin River.
As subsequent phases unfold, GEC remains dedicated to providing ongoing support and services throughout the development process.
At General Engineering Company, we always keep our clients best interest in mind and work to keep them informed of industry requirements that may affect them.
In 2008, the State of Wisconsin began requiring waterslide inspections, at a minimum, every five (5) years with the first inspection required by February 1, 2013. (more…)
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:
