Little La Crosse Watershed Infrastructure Resiliency Initiative

The objective of the project is to identify practical, nature-based and cost-effective actions to reduce potential future impacts,
including, but not limited to, stream crossing structure replacements and upstream/watershed mitigation. The project will produce the scope and cost estimate of future projects to implement the strategies identified in the planning and development phase and provide the basis for future construction proposals. The project will review the condition of existing stream crossings in the subject watersheds and prioritize recommended action.

Another objective of the project is to restore stream connectivity, natural habitats, and encourage natural stream behaviors, which will also benefit efforts to reduce the volume and velocity of stormwater carried by the stream. Outfall treatments will be installed as necessary to ensure that water is discharged through the structures in a manner that complements downstream efforts to manage the effect of large rainfall events. Appropriate design and placement of upstream mitigation and outfall treatments will also support efforts to improve soil stability and water quality of the watershed.

• Narrative - Little La Crosse Watershed Infrastructure Resiliency Initiative
• Project Map
• Project Budget
• Newspaper Article

Supplemental Information

• Little La Crosse Watershed Initiative RFP
• RFP - Proposals Received, Little La Crosse Watershed Initiative
• January 21, 2025 Pre-Proposal Meeting Recording   (To access recording, use password JvMyTsJ5)
• Pre-Proposal Meeting Q&A and Additional Resources
• Additional Resources Provided by WDNR
• Little La Crosse Watershed Map
• Stream Corridor Maps
• List of Roadways, By Stream Corridor
• Map of the NBI Bridges in the Watershed
• STH 27 NBI List
• Little La Crosse Watershed Short-Span Bridges
• Beaver Dam Analogs

FHWA - PROTECT Grant Program

The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program, established by Congress in 2021, provides funding to improve the resilience of highway, transit, intercity rail, and port facilities to climate change and natural disasters. Administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the program focuses on resilience planning, improvements to existing transportation assets, and addressing at-risk highway infrastructure.

• PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program Overview
• Grant Recipients - Discretionary PROTECT Grant Program
• FHWA - PROTECT Grant Website

VOLPE Center Case Study

The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) established the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S. DOT Volpe Center) in 1970 to bring technical capability and a future-oriented outlook to pressing national transportation issues. The U.S. DOT Volpe Center objectively addresses the most complex transportation challenges facing transportation and the nation, with specific emphasis on safety, security, environment, energy, mobility, global competitiveness, and innovation. Their extensive cross-modal partnerships have led to innovative solutions that advance national and global transportation systems.

Along with their colleagues in the Office of the Secretary, the U.S. DOT Volpe Center has worked to develop a series of case studies to highlight the unique challenges that rural and Tribal communities face with respect to climate resilience. Upon review of PROTECT grant applications, Monroe County’s Little La Crosse Watershed Infrastructure Resiliency Initiative project was selected as an example to showcase excellent resilience planning.

• VOLPE Center Q&A
• VOLPE Center Website