The new $2.4 billion 2021-23 Wisconsin Capital Budget proposal introduced by Gov. Tony Evers Monday includes millions for the La Crosse area.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse specifically is being recommended to receive $130,926,000 in building improvements, from residence hall renovations to new computer and science facilities.
“I’m excited to see that Governor Evers has included several projects I have advocated for in support of UW-La Crosse in the 2021-23 Capital Budget,” said Democratic Rep. Jill Billings of La Crosse in a statement.
“If approved, these proposals will help strengthen our campus and finish the much-needed Prairie Springs Science Building project. I look forward to supporting these projects as a member of the State Building Commission,” Billings said.
Phase two of the Prairie Springs Science Building is the university’s largest project on the budget proposal, a replacement building for the original campus science facility and addition to the first phase already completed.
The new addition would include labs, classrooms, a greenhouse, observatory, specimen museum, animal care facility and more, and costs $92,799,000.
“These projects allow UW-La Crosse to remain on the cutting-edge of scientific innovation and education,” said Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska.
“Now we have to keep up the momentum by advocating with the Building Commission and Joint Committee on Finance to keep Prairie Springs Phase II and the other UW-La Crosse projects in the budget as it moves forward,” Pfaff said.
Other projects for UW-L in the budget proposal include constructing new elevator towers in the campus’ four low-rise residence halls — Laux, Sanford, Wentz and White Halls — to increase accessibility. That project will cost $9,642,000.

Billings
UW-L’s recreational facility, Mitchell Hall, is also slated to get a new strength and performance laboratory and entirely new HVAC system if approved, for $26,329,000.
La Crosse’s UW campus is also included in a system-wide project to renovate classrooms, with $2,156,000 proposed to renovate UW-L’s computer science laboratory in the Wing Technology Center.
One request from UW-L, $21,582,000 for a new parking ramp at the campus arts center, and an update to the campus police building, was deferred in this budget.
Elsewhere in the budget is an update to the health services provided at the Boscobel correctional facility, which would provide more direct aid to inmates who are now often being driven to appointments to hospitals as far away as La Crosse and Madison.
A similar project is on the proposal for Jackson County, with $4,400,000 requested to add an addition with exam rooms at the correctional facility in Black River Falls that will help with the health care needs of over 1,000 inmates.

Sen. Brad Pfaff represents the 32nd Senate District, which includes La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford, and southern Monroe counties.
In Monroe County, Fort McCoy has a few projects on the list, including $592,000 for a preliminary design of a new “Challenge Academy,” that would include classrooms, locker rooms, administrative offices, tech shops, storage and more. The building will eventually be constructed on federal land and provided by Fort McCoy, and won’t cost the state any more.
A fitness facility for Fort McCoy costing $2,068,000 is also included on the budget proposal.
Vernon County also has a $23,994,000 project request that has been backed by Evers for a new National Guard readiness center in Viroqua, which would provide vehicle storage, training, backup generators and more, for $23,994,000. It will replace an existing one built in 1966.
Shelmina Abji, 1985, computer science

Former vice president of IBM Global Microsoft Alliance.
Dylan Bates, 1999, physical therapy

Former CEO of ATI Physical Therapy.
Barry Beaty, 1971, biology

Scientist researching mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Jason Church, 2011, political science

Former captain in the U.S. Army, Purple Heart recipient.
Russell Cleary, 1951-53, pre-law

Former president of G. Heileman Brewing Co.
Darryle Clott, 1966, English and history; 1971, masters of education

Holocaust educator, high school teacher, community ambassador.
Barbara Gibson, 1978, physical education/teaching

Former UW-L gymnastics coach, led the program to 17 national titles.
Brian Gutekunst, 2016, sports management

General manager of the Green Bay Packers.
Roger Harring, 1958, physical education/teaching

Former UW-L football coach, led program to three national titles.
Amy Huchthausen, 1999, sports management

Commissioner of the America East Conference, a Division I athletic conference in the northeastern United States.
Theodore Knudson, 1960, general and physical science

Former manager with U.S. and European manned space programs.
Sandra Lee, 1983-85

American television chef and author.
Patricia Loew, 1974, mass communications

Filmmaker, journalist and educator specializing in Native American history and culture in Wisconsin.
Truman Lowe, 1969, art education

American Ho-Chunk artist and professor.
Greg Mahairas, 1982, microbiology

President of Koan AgroScience and mapper of the rice genome.
Cynthia Marten, 1988, elementary education

Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District.
Bill Miller, 2010, honorary degree

Native American singer-songwriter, three-time Grammy Award winner.
Hollie Nyseth Brehm, 2008, sociology

Sociologist and professor researching the causes and effects of genocide.
Jon Otterstatter, 1983, computer science

Co-founder and CEO of Preventice Solutions, a mobile healthcare company.
James Reynolds, 1977, political science

Founder, chairman and CEO of Loop Capital investment firm.
Andrew Rock, 2004, finance

Sprinter, 2004 Olympic Gold medalist in 4x400m men's relay.
Jennifer Shilling, 1992, political science

Wisconsin state senator representing La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford and Monroe counties.
Barbara Skogen, 1967, medical technology

Entrepreneur, Festival Foods business owner, philanthropist.
Patrick Stephens, 1971, education

Retired professional fundraiser, community ambassador.
Christopher Sund, 1987, political science

Former commander of Coronado Naval Base.
Dan Smyczek, 1993, political science

Vice president of public relations for the Milwaukee Bucks.
James Van Tassel, 1951, education

Inventor, co-developer of the hand-held calculator.
Sharon Weston Broome, 1978, mass communications

Mayor-president of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, former journalist and professor.
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"If approved, these proposals will help strengthen our campus and finish the much-needed Prairie Springs Science Building project. I look forward to supporting these projects as a member of the State Building Commission."
State Rep. Jill Billings, D-La Crosse