MILWAUKEE (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker has announced a $100 million
initiative to upgrade a poor section of Milwaukee, in a bid to
encourage business growth.
     Walker said Monday the investment from state agencies and other
investors will help attract companies and at least 2,000 jobs in
coming years.
     The five-part plan includes developing vacant business
properties and improving transportation infrastructure.
     Milwaukee has been especially hard-hit in recent years. While
that state’s unemployment rate is 6.8 percent, unemployment in
Milwaukee has remained around or above 10 percent.
     Walker says the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development
Authority, or WHEDA, will invest $100 million in the project. The
resources will include federal tax credits, business-development
loans and residential mortgage loans.