Protecting our Water

I am beyond excited that my bipartisan bill that is designed to further protect Wisconsin's water has moved one step closer to becoming state law.

The Assembly Committee on Local Government this week unanimously recommended passage of AB 113, which aims to reduce the amount of contaminants in our state's water by creating a system for buying and selling pollution credits through a third-party central clearinghouse.

The bill now needs to be passed by the full state Assembly before it can be signed into law. The Senate version of the legislation, which is identical to AB 113, has already been passed unanimously by the full state Senate.  

 Pollutant trading is a sound strategy recognized by the federal Clean Water Act, but our current program is being underutilized because most point and nonpoint pollution sources do not have the resources or relationships to seek out trading partners. Examples of point sources include wastewater treatment plants, cheese factories and paper mills and examples of nonpoint sources include farmland, golf courses and residential lawns. 

AB 113 authorizes the state Department of Natural Resources to give point source permit holders an alternative to EPA-mandated pollutant discharge reductions by purchasing credits from a clearinghouse or other third-party brokers certified by the DNR. Those credits come from nonpoint sources that have taken steps to reduce their pollutants. All trades must result in an improvement in water quality in the affected watershed.

We strongly believe this legislation will provide a tremendous benefit to our state by giving farmers, industries and municipalities the tools and financial incentives they need to work collaboratively toward our common goal of protecting one of Wisconsin’s most vital natural resources: our water.

What I'm most proud of about this bill is the fact that we were able to bring all sides together to focus on addressing and improving our state's water quality. AB 113 is co-sponsored by a fairly equal proportion of Republicans and Democrats and is supported by numerous groups representing a wide array of stakeholders, including the Dairy Business Association, Clean Wisconsin, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the Nature Conservancy.

Our pollution prevention partnership bill truly is a win-win for both the environment and the agriculture industry, which follows my philosophy of finding solutions that balance the needs of all parties involved. We have the ability to accomplish great things when we all work together.

Eagle Tower Funding 

I am extremely pleased that the Wisconsin State Building Commission voted this week to provide more funding for the replacement of the former Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park in Door County.

The commission’s actions will release an additional $1.4 million for the new observatory tower. The project had been bid out twice, but the lowest figure was still about $1.4 million more than what was available. That $1.4 million will now be covered by bonding from a different project that came in under budget.

I am relieved that we are finally able to move forward with replacing the iconic Eagle Tower. When added together, Peninsula State Park and Devil’s Lake State Park account for 70 percent of the total revenue that comes from our state park system. Because the vast majority of people who visit Peninsula State Park will climb this tower, other state parks across Wisconsin will benefit as well.

The original Eagle Tower, built in 1932, was razed in 2016 because of public safety concerns related to severe decay that was found throughout the structure. The Friends of Peninsula State Park and local community members raised $750,000 for the new tower with additional financial support coming from the state and a federal grant.

Because more than 50 percent of the original material is being replaced, the project is considered a rebuild and not a repair, and thereby must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Due to those requirements, it would be impossible to model the new tower after the old one.

I know there are many out there who feel nostalgic about the former Eagle Tower, but I am confident those same people will embrace the new structure once it is completed. Furthermore, the new observatory tower will be fully accessible for individuals with physical disabilities at all viewing levels, so even more visitors will be able to take in the beauty of Peninsula State Park.

The Department of Natural Resources believes there is a chance construction could begin in late fall.

If you are interested in viewing some local media coverage on the project, please click here and here.

Blue Books 

My office received the new 2019-20 Wisconsin Blue Books this week and they are now available to be distributed to you free of charge.

 The Blue Books are a great tradition here in Wisconsin, dating back to their first publication in 1835. The Blue Books are full of Wisconsin history, as well as current information on state offices and various government agencies. They serve as a valuable tool not only for my staff and myself, but for all Wisconsin citizens as well.

This biennium's edition also features a detailed account of the 1919 legislative session following World War I. The article gives a brief history lesson on how the Wisconsin State Legislature worked together to create crucial veteran policies at that time.

If you would like to receive a copy of the 2019-20 Wisconsin Blue Book, please reach out to my office. You may call us at 608-266-5350 or send an email to Rep.Kitchens@legis.wi.gov.

You can also access the online version of the Blue Book by clicking on this link.

Upcoming District Events

What: Trunk-or-Treat
Where: Holy Rosary School, 519 Kilbourn St., Kewaunee, WI
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: "Put on your costumes and trick-or-treat in a fun, safe environment at Holy Rosary School. Check out the decorated vehicles and collect candy and treats."

What: Sister Bay Fall Fest
Where: Throughout Sister Bay 
When: Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 20
Details: "The tradition lives on at Sister Bay’s 74th annual Fall Festival, Friday, October 18-20, 2019. Join us for 3 days of family fun, kids games, great music, local food and our huge Arts & Crafts Fair. The Lion’s Club Classic Car Show and Fish Boil are yearly favorites along with Saturday’s Pancake Breakfast followed by our annual Fall Fest Parade at 11am. We’re looking forward to seeing you again this year!"

What: Fall Color Hike 
Where: Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Details: "Join the naturalist in this walking celebration of fall. See many of the signs of the season. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Free and open to the public."