Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/672727
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m M a y 2 0 1 6 • I NSIGH T | 29 B y S e a n P. J o h n s o n I N S I G H T O N T O U R I S M / R E S O R T S T he puzzle is tantalizingly close to fitting together. It's taken more than a decade of planning, promoting and rebuilding, but the Fox River Locks are just a few final pieces away from opening up new commercial and tourism opportunities for the communities that dot the river's route through Northeast Wisconsin. Work to fit those final pieces into the bigger picture is well under way. "Having these locks operational opens up a lot of history that hasn't been available," says Robert Stark, CEO of the Fox River Navigational Authority. "We're going to be working with the communities and CVBs (tourism bureaus) to create some new opportunities along the river." In mid-April, one of the last obstacles to constructing a planned visitors' center adjacent to Appleton's Lock #3 were removed when Gov. Scott Walker visited the lock to sign legislation enabling the Authority to develop and manage properties adjacent to the lock system. e 2004 legislation creating the Authority did not allow for new construction or development along the 17-lock system. e new role allows the Authority to begin shiing its role from preservation and maintenance to developing new facilities, increasing access and enjoyment of the Fox River and the lock system. e center was proposed two years ago and is being designed as a multi-media museum/educational center for area residents with interactive exhibits, classroom space, a scenic overlook, and public facilities on the lower level. e visitors' center will be funded by a grant from the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors' Bureau, private donations and a fundraising campaign. A groundbreaking for the new facility is planned in 2017. Unlocking opportunities Fox Locks projects boost tourism amenities for Northeast Wisconsin "is will be a multi-use facility for those who use the river and the adjacent trails, as well as by the school system and others to learn the local history of the locks," says Tim Rose, Chairman of the Authority. "We have made substantial investments in renovating the locks, and now it's time for the public to enjoy this resource." Plans to develop the visitors' center follow the completion in August 2015 of the 10-year project to restore and renovate all the 16 working locks on the lower Fox River. In early May, this historic system will be operational for the first time in 30 years. Boaters can cruise from Menasha to Kaukauna uninterrupted. Portages are still required at Rapide Croche, north of Kaukauna, to continue to Green Bay. e Authority has invested more than $14.5 million of federal, state and private funds to complete that project on time and [continued] » C O U R T E S Y F O X R I V E R N A V I G AT I O N S Y S T E M A U T H O R I T Y