Projects Under Review:
Menominee Harbor Federal Navigation Project
The proposed action includes deepening a 2.7 mile stretch of the federal navigation channel up to 26 feet below the Low Water Datum elevation of 577.5 feet (IGLD 1985) plus 2 feet of over depth. The quantity of material dredged would be approximately 553,000 cubic yards (CY), including 51,000 CY of bedrock in the upper reaches of the harbor that would be fractured for removal by blasting. With the exception of two dredging units, all the dredged material would be placed in one or more of three open-water sites in Green Bay. The bedrock stone would be provided for beneficial reuse and/or be placed in the open-water site(s). The draft feasibility report and environmental assessment are available through the USACE Digital Library:
https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll7/id/27585.
The project is subject to review for federal consistency under the enforceable policies of the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP). Federal consistency is a provision of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, to encourage coordination and cooperation between state and federal agencies. Generally, federal consistency requires that federal actions that will affect coastal uses or resources be consistent with the enforceable policies of a state's coastal management program. The state’s enforceable policies are included within the
WCMP’s Specific State Coastal Policies. (Please note that not all of the Specific State Coastal Polices are enforceable policies.) For additional information on the proposed project and federal consistency, contact
federalconsistency@wisconsin.gov.
Comments should be
submitted through this form. Please select “Other” from the drop-down menu. Comments will be accepted through June 30, 2025.
I-535 Blatnik Bridge Project
The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) has received correspondence from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding a proposed bridge replacement between St. Louis County, Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are proposing replacing the John A. Blatnik Bridge on I-535, which connects Duluth Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. The project also includes reconstructing an interchange in Superior that routes I-535 to US 53, with local connections to Hammond Avenue and WIS 35. USACE and the US Coast Guard (USCG) are reviewing the project for federal regulations, including Section 10 and Section 404 permits, Section 408 Approval, and a bridge permit.
The project would result in permanent and temporary discharges of fill material into wetlands of the St. Louis River and Bay. Excavation to remove contaminated material may be required. Compensatory wetland mitigation requirements would be fulfilled by utilizing wetland mitigation bank credits. Additional information on the project can be found on the
project website.
The project is subject to review for federal consistency under the enforceable policies of the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP). Generally, federal consistency requires that federal actions that will affect coastal uses or resources be consistent with the enforceable policies of a state's coastal management program. The state’s enforceable policies are included within the
WCMP’s Specific State Coastal Policies. (Please note that not all of the Specific State Coastal Polices are enforceable policies.) For additional information on the proposed project and federal consistency, contact
federalconsistency@wisconsin.gov.
WCMP held a public hearing on May 22, 2025. The public comment period on the project ended on May 23, 2025. WCMP is reviewing comments received.
Other Federal Actions
To submit comments on other federal actions undergoing review for consistency under the polices of the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP), please use this form. Select “Other” from the drop-down menu.
Review Process
Through its federal consistency review authority, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) has broad opportunities to influence federal government activities, construction, funding, permitting and other actions proposed within the coastal zone. It promotes coordination between state and federal policies, programs and agencies.
The review process relies on and seeks to improve existing state programs. Federal regulations (15 CFR 930) establish the basic policies and procedures for coastal states, federal agencies and other affected parties pertaining to the federal consistency review process.