Article Summary –
Mayor Mike Wiza of Stevens Point, after years of budget constraints, will finally launch a fruit tree planting program with a $105,500 federal grant from the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to enhance environmental benefits and promote fresh food access while lowering energy costs. However, the future of this and other federally funded projects is uncertain due to President Trump’s executive order freezing funds from the IRA and Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, leading to a lawsuit by Wisconsin’s Attorney General. Despite the uncertainty, Stevens Point plans to proceed with ordering and planting fruit and shade trees, hoping to inspire further community-led gardening initiatives.
For over five years, Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza and the city’s forester aimed to assist homeowners in planting fruit trees.
This initiative addresses multiple city goals: enhancing the environment with more trees, providing fresh food access, protecting wildlife habitats, reducing energy costs, and igniting community engagement in gardening.
The small city of nearly 26,000 struggled to fund the program amid essential needs like fire trucks and snowplows.
This spring, the city will kick off the program thanks to a $105,500 federal grant from the Inflation Reduction Act, signed by former President Joe Biden.
“Budgets are tight, especially for smaller cities lacking flexibility,” said Wiza. “This funding finally makes the program possible.”
Funding may vanish under President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order freezing funds from the IRA and Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined a lawsuit against Trump for non-compliance.
Wisconsin has received upwards of $6.9 billion in infrastructure funding through various federal acts.
Funds support a variety of projects such as road repairs, pollution cleanup, solar panel installations, and more, creating jobs statewide.
Stevens Point’s fruit tree program is one among many federally backed projects, with most funds directed at road and utility upkeep.
The city also initiated a first-time homebuyer program and expanded initiatives like rental conversions back to single-family homes and home improvement grants.
The future of these programs is uncertain without federal funds.
“It’s challenging to manage without federal returns,” Wiza noted. “This is taxpayer money meant to benefit communities for vibrancy and safety.”
Stevens Point plans to proceed with funded projects. By spring, the city expects 150 fruit trees. Selected tree varieties like pears and plums will suit central Wisconsin’s climate, with homeowners receiving care instructions. The grant also funds approximately 100 shade trees along city streets, continuing annual planting efforts.
Wiza deemed the efforts valuable. Residents express enthusiasm for the program’s environmental and personal benefits. Harvesting backyard fruit offers a “feel-good” experience.
“Community benefits are vast,” Wiza said. “With funding, we’re optimistic about sustaining the program within our budget long term.”
“Hopefully, this sparks broader community engagement,” he added, envisioning expanded gardening and community involvement from the initiative.
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