The City of Wausau is on probation of sorts after the Federal Highway Administration says the city took improper steps when acquiring homes for the Thomas Street Expansion Project. That project has since been put on hold.
The city was relying on federal money to complete the project, but now the government says Wausau isn't eligible.
NewsChannel 7 obtained a copy of the letter sent to the city from the U.S. Department of Transportation. It says the city did not comply with the Uniform Act in acquiring Right of Way for the road project. That act insures people are treated fairly when they are impacted by federally funded projects. The city was supposed to advise the homeowners being displaced of their rights and offer moving assistance - but there was no documentation that those things were provided.
The Wausau Common Council approved the project in 2008. It's plan was to widen Thomas Street from the Wisconsin River West to 17 Avenue. We have calls out the Mayor Jim Tipple as well as the Federal Highway Administration, we have yet to hear back from either.
NewsChannel 7 will continue to follow how this development could affect the city and taxpayers.
To read the letters that were addressed to the City of Wausau from the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration click below.
