Gov. Evers: City of Beloit to receive $9 million Neighborhood Investment Fund grant

BELOIT, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The city of Beloit will receive a $9 million Neighborhood Investment Fund grant to help with the development of a Community Outreach and Engagement Center at Beloit College. 

Governor Tony Evers made the announcement Wednesday, Feb. 23.

The engagement center will help "find solutions to complex community problems," according to a press release from the governor's office, "by fostering collaboration between partnerships that exist between Beloit College and the School District of Beloit, Beloit Health System, the Boys & Girls Club, Acts Housing, Community Action and the NAACP, among others." 

“Whether it’s addressing affordable housing, revitalizing our main streets, or bolstering opportunities in local communities, we’re making sure that our neighborhoods in every corner of the state are able to thrive for years to come,” said Gov. Evers. “I am thrilled to invest these funds in the people and neighborhoods in Beloit to build on the innovation, ingenuity, and collaboration that already exists to better serve the families, workers, and communities who call Beloit home.”

The release says Beloit College plans to renovate Morse Library on campus to house the new Community Outreach and Engagement Center.

When combined with existing programs at the college, the center is expected to impact the lives of 36,000 Beloit residents.

The Neighborhood Investment Fund program was announced in August 2021 as part of a nearly $650 million investment allocated by the governor for community building and recovery efforts statewide. 

Grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. 

Wisconsinites can visit BadgerBounceback.wi.gov to view pandemic-related assistance information for families, farmers, businesses, organizations, and communities, as well as the latest data and success stories about how COVID-relief investments are making a difference across the state.