WisconsinFailed proposal would help towns pay for water system upgrades
The failed proposal would let eligible communities apply to the Department of Natural Resources for help upgrading water systems to meet federal water quality standards.
What it does
Eligible communities could receive state help for water system upgrades needed to meet federal water quality standards. Payments would cover no more than half of estimated reasonable costs.
Argument forEligible communities could get help paying for water system upgrades needed to meet federal water quality standards.
Argument againstCommunities with costly projects could receive less help than they need because payments may cover only part of the cost and stop when cycle funds run out.
More detail
The Department of Natural Resources may agree to pay part of an approved project's costs. The program covers third- and fourth-class cities, villages, towns, and sanitation districts that mainly serve those communities. Projects must upgrade water systems to meet federal water quality standards. Payments may cover no more than 50 percent of estimated reasonable project costs. The department approves applications in priority order until funds for that program cycle run out. The bill provides a $10 million continuing appropriation to run the program and make payments. The department would approve applications in priority order until funds for a program cycle run out. It may not pay costs incurred earlier than two years before this provision takes effect.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 9Fiscal estimate receivedLatest
- Mar 23Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1Major
- Mar 20Representative J. Jacobson added as a coauthor
- Mar 13Read first time and referred to Committee on Local GovernmentMinor
- Mar 13Introduced by Representatives Anderson, Brown, Arney, DeSanto, Fitzgerald, Palmeri, Roe and Sinicki; cosponsored by Senators Ratcliff and SpreitzerIntroduced
Environment & Energy