MADISON (WSAU) Wisconsin is one step away from relaxing its restrictions in building on wetlands. The Assembly passed the G-O-P measure on a voice vote last night and sent it to Governor Scott Walker, who said he looks forward to signing it. Walker said it would balance the need for economic growth with the need to quote, "protect Wisconsin's pristine natural resources."
The measure requires developers to sign mitigation agreements to build specialized projects on wetlands, which help preserve flood control and provide habitat for wildlife. The developers must either replace wetlands that are lost -- buy credits from those who've created wetlands -- or pay the D-N-R to help its general wetland protection program. Republicans say the new system is needed to boost the economy and create jobs.
Democrats and environmentalists say it will result in the losses of more wetlands. Madison Democrat Brett Hulsey, a former Sierra Club official, said the only thing the bill does is hurt flood victims. He called it the "Flood Our Families Act."
