The De Pere Common Council has unanimously approved a proposal that would build a new bridge over the Fox River a few miles south of the Claude Allouez bridge, connecting it to I-41.
Leaders say it's a project 20 years in the making, but city approval aside, the battle is far from over.
Supporters of the bridge project say the need for it grows every day, as daily traffic, congestion, and added stress to the Claude Allouez bridge brings it ever closer to serious repair needs.
The Southern Brown Co. bridge proposal has been a project in the works since 1996.
"We hear that this is happening, and that's happening," says Dist. 1 Alderman Larry Lueck, "and yet it's been 20 years."
Lueck says he was initially skeptical of approving what he called a "feel-good resolution."
"If the resolution does help push our state legislators to actually give some effort, and thought, and put the finances and initiative behind this," says Lueck, "then it certainly is a good vote."
The proposal has been stuck in county, state, and federal negotiations for years, which leaders say has stalled economic growth in the city.
"You know, we're holding up projects as well," adds Lueck. "We can't let businesses know whether they should move here, or should move there."
"It's an attempt by the county to get a sense of unity," says Mayor Mike Walsh, after Tuesday night's vote. "It's something that we need in order to get funding, and show that there's support for the funding."
Leaders say the latest estimation of a completion date of 2029 isn't quick enough.
"We need to keep the process going," adds Walsh.
Project consultants are still waiting for a finalized project design, and a final price tag.
Supporters of the project are urging others to contact their state legislators.
City leaders say they're hoping for a decision on the location for an I-41 interchange by the end of this year. The federal government still needs to choose a "preferred route" by 2018.
