Community Invited to Connect the Bay Public Meeting Tonight

The City of Green Bay reminds all residents and community members that the Connect the Bay public engagement event takes place tonight, Thursday, October 2, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at The View at Paradise North Distillery, 101 Bay Beach Road. This event is a key moment for all interested in the future resilience and vitality of Green Bay's shoreline to share input and help shape the design of this major coastal restoration project.

Connect the Bay is a landmark initiative to strengthen our community's natural defenses against flooding and coastal storms, while expanding public recreation and enhancing habitat for local wildlife. The project focuses on developing restoration designs that reduce wave impacts, mitigate the risk of flooding, create new habitats for freshwater mussels and fish species, and improve public access along Lower Green Bay. An anticipated highlight is the creation of a boardwalk linking Bay Beach with a newly designed breakwater and gathering circle, enabling greater enjoyment of our waterfront for everyone.

Tonight's public meeting gives participants the opportunity to review conceptual designs at the 60% planning stage, ask questions directly of the project team, and provide feedback that will influence final restoration decisions. Community members' perspectives are essential to ensure the project reflects local needs and vision for Green Bay's shoreline

As the city faces increasing challenges posed by severe storms and flooding-potentially impacting up to one-third of Green Bay in a 100-year storm-projects like Connect the Bay are essential. The restoration will use nature-based infrastructure, such as wetlands and natural shoreline features, not only to absorb wave energy and diminish flood risks but also to nurture valuable freshwater habitats, improving ecological health throughout the region.

The Connect the Bay project is supported by funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, together with the City of Green Bay and McDonald Companies. This collaboration underscores the project's importance to both environmental restoration and protecting the community's future.

Residents who can't attend may provide feedback through an online survey, open through October 11, at [connectthebay.com/stakeholder-engagement]connectthebay.com/stakeholder-engagement