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Forest County Board Hears Proposal in Closed Session

Natalie Jablonski
/
WXPR News

The Forest County Board of Supervisors heard the details of a proposed off-road park Tuesday night in closed session. 

RT Krueger, President of the Forest County Economic Development Partnership, says the session was closed because it involved details of possible land purchases that can’t be public. 

He says now county board members have the details they’ve been waiting for.              

“I think the county board is glad they finally have some factual information. I think the proponents are still proponents and the opponents may still be opponents, but at least now they can start to form opinions based on fact rather than on hearsay.”

The nonprofit Wisconsin Off Road Vehicle Park Incorporated wants to build a 10,000 acre park north of Laona.  It is proposing the county purchase the land in stages.  The group says the acreage will generate timber revenue for the county, and the park’s existence will create jobs and boost the local economy. 

Project costs are projected at almost $13-million, but organizers say grants and no-interest loans would pay for almost two thirds of that and leave the county with about $4.5 million to pay back through timber revenue. 

Critics of the project have complained about the lack transparency and available detail, and have questioned how many visitors the park would actually draw. 

RT Krueger says there will be public info sessions in the near future.  

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