SEVASTOPOL TOWNSHIP — Whitefish Dunes State Park could have a new ramp to access its beaches this summer after the previous ramp was washed away in 2021.
The Wisconsin DNR is currently going through the permitting process, but documents submitted with the application indicate construction could begin as early as April 2024.
The DNR has made a tentative determination that it will issue the permit, however it needs to wait until Jan. 15, 2024 to see if anyone requests a public hearing. At this point, the DNR is planning to proceed without a public hearing, according to a notice published Dec. 15.
According to the permit application, the DNR is proposing to restore the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant beach access at Whitefish Dunes State Park that was washed out during a storm in 2021.
Later that summer, the ramp was temporarily stabilized to prevent further failure.
There is currently no ADA access to the beach.
This project will restore and protect the ADA access which will allow more people to access the beach area.
The ADA access will be protected from damage caused by high water with a proposed wall.
Anyone may submit comments and/or request a public informational hearing by emailing Sarah.Szabo@wisconsin.gov, over the phone at (715) 416-3827, or writing to Sarah Szabo, 2984 Shawano Ave., Green Bay, WI 54313 by U.S. mail.
If you are submitting general comments on the proposal, they must be emailed, verbalized, or postmarked within 30 days after the date the notice is published on the department’s website, which was Dec. 15, 2023.
If you are requesting a public informational hearing, the request must be emailed, verbalized, or postmarked within 20 days after the date this notice is published on the Department’s website.
A request for hearing must include the docket number or applicant name and specify the issues that the party desires to be addressed at the informational hearing. If no hearing is requested, the Department may issue its decision without a hearing.
If a public informational hearing is held, comments must be postmarked no later than 10 days following the date on which the hearing is completed.