The Rothschild Dam: Domtar Invests In Wisconsin’s Future
In August 2025, Domtar broke ground on a multi-year project to modernize the Rothschild Dam near our mill in Rothschild, Wisconsin. The Rothschild Dam modernization is just one example of Domtar’s continued investment in Wisconsin, supporting the long-term future of the mill and Since 1909, this mill has overlooked the Wisconsin River and been a centerpiece of the Village of Rothschild. Built in 1912, the dam originally provided hydroelectric power to the Rothschild Mill and helped channel pulpwood from upstream for pulp and paper manufacturing. It also creat- ed Lake Wausau, which remains a popular recreation site. Although the dam and its related hydroelectric gener- ation are no longer a core part of the mill’s operations, it still plays a vital role in the community. It provides tax rev- enue from private residences and businesses, reservoir management, public safety related to flood control, and recreational opportunities. Domtar has and will continue to maintain the dam as part of its ongoing commitment to north central Wisconsin. “The Rothschild Dam modernization is important to Domtar, our community and north central Wisconsin,” says Dave Faucett, general manager, Rothschild Mill. “Along the surrounding community. More Than A Century Of Use
with the Nekoosa Mill, located downstream, we support an estimated 3,500 local jobs, including 750 direct employ- ees, and generate $1 billion in annual economic impact to the local economies in Wisconsin. Replacing this section of the dam — with the help of our Wisconsin-based contrac- tors — helps ensure it will continue to benefit the region far into the future.” Partners In Progress A project of this magnitude requires multiple partners working together to share the estimated $84 million cost, of which Domtar has committed to pay at least one third. In 2025, Wisconsin state lawmakers and Governor Tony Evers passed and signed into law SB 421/AB 416, which provides $42 million in financial assistance for the mod- ernization project.
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Local municipalities have also pledged monetary and in-kind support, including the Village of Rothschild, City of Schofield, City of Wausau and the Village of Rib Mountain. The Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Inc., graciously offered a $125,000 grant to match local contributions from these municipalities bordering Lake Wausau. “We applaud the commitment from the state, region- al and local community leaders to strengthen Wisconsin,” Faucett says. “Given the broad public benefits offered by the dam, it’s important for multiple stakeholders to invest in the Roth- schild Dam modernization and, by extension, this region,” explains Seth Kursman, vice president, U.S. Public Affairs and Global External Communications, at Domtar. “By se- curing these cost-sharing partnerships, Domtar has com- mitted to investing $100 million in north central Wisconsin via its Rothschild and Nekoosa manufacturing operations.” “None of this happens without partnerships,” Faucett says.
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Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
62 September 28, 2026
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