Wednesday, December 06, 2006

BREAKING NEWS: State Will Not Sell Property at Winnebago Mental Health Institute near Oshkosh

[we have received the following press release from Gov. Doyle's office...]

Governor Doyle announced today that the state will not sell approximately 117 acres of property at Winnebago Mental Health Institute near Oshkosh and he is directing the Department of Natural Resources to work with area communities, Native American tribes, and local residents to determine how best to manage the property. The property, which includes several Native American archeological sites, is one of the last undeveloped shoreline areas on Lake Winnebago and is currently used by the local community for recreation.

"I believe it is in the best interest of Wisconsin to protect this property," Governor Doyle said. "It is one of the last pieces of undeveloped land on all of Lake Winnebago and has great cultural significance and recreational value as well. While our economy continues to grow and we continue to make our state more efficient, we must always preserve the incredible natural heritage we have in Wisconsin."

The Department of Health and Family Services portion of this land was included in the 2006 Surplus Land Inventory. Governor Doyle made the decision to transfer the land following a thorough review by the Department of Administration.

The State of Wisconsin Building Commission's policies and procedures manual directs that surplus property be offered to other state agencies, other units of government, and for private sale in that order. 2005 Wisconsin Act 25 provides that the Department of Administration may act to sell surplus property to generate revenue for the state's general fund.

The next meeting of the Building Commission is December 20, 2006 and the Department of Administration will prepare an agenda item to transfer the entire 117 acres to the Department of Natural Resources.

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