Mayor Katie Rosenberg of Wausau, Wisconsin, has announced the deal with Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP) that will leverage investment from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA).
“Unlike conventional LSL replacement programs, Wausau's approach involves a partnership between the public and private sectors to deliver infrastructure while prioritizing community-based benefits,” the authority explained.
The CBP3 model was originally developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over 10 years ago, designed to target stormwater projects and featuring additional community advisory elements, but had never been used until now.
When CIP launched in September last year, president and chief executive Shawn Kerachsky said the organization would use the CBP3 model to deliver “an inclusive, programmatic approach that identifies and remediates dozens, if not hundreds of dispersed projects across a geographic area”.
Alongside CIP, the CBP3 team also includes Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), LIUNA, 120Water, and Blue Conduit, and is complemented by local small businesses such as H2N, Daar, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
“Our innovative delivery model through a CBP3 will set a new standard for addressing the LSL crisis,” said Rosenberg.
“This bold step sends a powerful message to communities nationwide that innovation, equity, and collaboration can drive meaningful change,” added Kerachsky.