Kemp St. bridge slated for replacement in 2026

One of the City of Rhinelander’s most used pieces of infrastructure is scheduled for an upgrade. On July 10, the Rhinelander Common Council voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Kris Hanus to sign a state/municipal agreement to effectuate the replacement of the Kemp Street bridge.

The project is slated for 2026, according to the agreement.

“City staff has successfully submitted an application for funding from Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) for the replacement of this structure,” the council resolution read.

The grant is an 80/20 grant, with WisDOT to pay 80% of the project design costs and 80% of project construction costs, and the City of Rhinelander being responsible for the remaining 20%.

According to city finance director Wendi Bixby, the total expected cost to the city is expected to amount to $382,900.

The “sunset date” for the project is 2031, according to the resolution.

In his monthly report to the council, city administrator Patrick Reagan offered a commendation to city street foreman Tom Roeser, who assembled and submitted the grant application on behalf of the city.

In other business July 10, the council also gave public works director Randy Myrum permission to seek a company that can install a self-service kayak rental kiosk for the city. 

According to Myrum, the way it would work is city residents would be able to download an application to their phone, set up an account and rent a kayak for use on Boom Lake.

Council members were interested in the idea but had some concern about potential liability issues.

To that end, city attorney Steve Sorenson was directed to explore the potential legal ramifications of adding such an amenity.

“I think it has to be looked at and I will look at it,” the attorney said.

“I would like to thank Randy for thinking outside the box and potentially providing something that would be a very big draw for tourism,” alderman Tom Barnett added.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at heather@rivernewsonline.com.