Administrator to help lead state office

Alan Fish, associate vice chancellor for facilities, has been chosen by Gov. Jim Doyle to help lead a new state office established to efficiently move federal stimulus dollars to create Wisconsin jobs.

The governor tapped Gary J. Wolter, president and CEO of Madison Gas and Electric to head the office. Fish will serve as his deputy and will help lead a 15-person staff.

“We will identify worthwhile state projects and target the federal funding to help encourage economic growth throughout Wisconsin,” says Fish. “We want to use these funds in the best possible way to build the state’s infrastructure and jump-start our economy.”

Fish’s role with the state office is a temporary one and is expected to last about six months.

The governor says the Office of Recovery and Reinvestment is needed to assure that federal stimulus funding is put to work without delay.

“Through this new office, we will work to turn federal stimulus money into paychecks as efficiently and quickly as possible,” Doyle says.

The governor added: “This stimulus package not only helps us maintain or create jobs here in the state, it also provides us with an opportunity to take on larger, longer-range projects that invest in our state’s assets and set a new direction for a stronger economy and a greener, more energy independent future for Wisconsin.”

During the next six months, Fish will devote most of his time — likely about 80 percent — to the state office, but will continue to consult with staff on issues at the university. His deputy, Dorothy Steele, will be the point person at Facilities, Planning and Management in his absence.