The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM) was awarded $20,000 by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program for the River Loop Assessment and Planning Project. This project will evaluate trail conditions, determine regulatory requirements, and explore alternative designs for the River Loop area on the south bank of the Menomonee River.
From the application:
The project consists of an assessment and planning effort to obtain a comprehensive understanding and record of existing conditions, regulatory requirements, design alternatives, and construction cost opinions, to address the flooding challenges and damage to the River Loop area, which includes the river’s edge and adjoining near shore area along the south bank of the Menomonee River between 13th Street and 25th Street in Milwaukee, WI. The area includes a section of multi-purpose paved trail constructed approximately 20 years ago, which is part of the Hank Aaron State Trail system. The 20-year old trail has deteriorated due to several reasons including the high water levels of the river, invasive plant growth within the asphalt, and erosion due to the failing dock wall. The section of trail that is the subject of this grant application has been underwater on and off for much of the last year due to record high water levels. Water undermining the trail has also led to several trail failures over the years, which have progressively worsened.
