LAST WEEK IN MADISON

Making sure that you, your families and my family have access to clean water is something I have been working on since I was elected, and we made significant progress last week.

Site Specific Criteria to Reduce Blue Green Algae

It was an exciting week for issues of our district this past week. In the Assembly Committee on the Environment we were able to hear about the proposed site specific criteria on phosphorus inputs to the Wisconsin River system. As many know there has been a great deal of work on the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) project to help identify causes of the blue green algae issues of Lake Petenwell and Castle Rock Lake. The PACRS (Petenwell and Castle Rock Lake Stewards) group here at home have invested literally tens of thousands of volunteer hours assisting in moving this effort forward.

My involvement on this issue goes back to my first week after election. PACRS reached out to me right away to engage my assistance. In the 2015 State Budget we were able to secure financing to move the study forward. This targeted investment to analyze and create implementations for solutions was instrumental in finalizing the TMDL (the largest in our state’s history). The rulemaking process to authorize the implementation came to our committee last week. We were able to hear from DNR about their ultimate goal, the plan to achieve it and the cost savings that will come to businesses and municipalities up and down the river.

Over the course of the program, for example, the Wisconsin Rapids Wastewater Treatment Facility alone will save over $6.7 Million. Port Edwards will save $2.3 Million, Nekoosa $1.8 Million. These communities have led the way in reducing phosphorus so well that they will be able to achieve their permit results while saving money. Other reductions in more sensitive input areas will lead to less algae blooms knowing that the cause comes from further up the watershed.  Overall, $179 Million in savings while creating a cleaner river system is amazing. Investments in scientific research are paying off by identifying the origins of these problems and informing us how to move forward in resolving these problems. Very exciting.

Central Sands Groundwater Study

Another positive local result I was pleased to see was the Joint Committee on Finance approved funding to finish the Central Sands Groundwater Study. This study was included as an amendment I wrote that was included in 2017 Act 10. The bill looks to find more scientific answers toward balancing water needs for agriculture and maintaining good water levels for our area lakes for recreation, property value and the Wisconsin views we enjoy so much. As one of the biggest vegetable production areas in the state we will work hard to protect that heritage and the value the agricultural activity brings to my rural communities. We also know that science can show us how to lessen any negative impacts caused by production. The economies of so many communities in the 72^nd Assembly District depend on both tourism and agriculture. The two do not have to compete. They can very easily co-exist and we will keep developing solid public policy to ensure that.

Little Plover River

This past week the Assembly Committee on the Environment also heard the bill that Senator Testin and I wrote to fund the efforts of the Little Plover River project. This project has been instrumental in showing how science and solid partnerships can lead to positive results. Please see this link for an update on the Little Plover River Project. It has been a pleasure to work with the Village of Plover, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, UW-Stevens Point and many more in working together to provide answers to area residents on long standing concerns. The creation of the study in 2013, to funding in 2017 and again in 2019 shows a strong commitment on the part of the State of Wisconsin to continue improving policy on clean and plentiful groundwater.

Great Meetings at the Capitol

I also had the opportunity to sit down with constituents representing the Wisconsin Credit Union League, and also the great team from ABATE Wisconsin. Both meetings were insightful and I appreciate that they made the trip even through some Wisconsin winter weather.

Meeting with ABATE

Meeting with Wisconsin Credit League

Contacting My Office

My capitol office is here to help you with general inquiries as well as questions and concerns regarding legislative matters. Feel free to contact me or my staff. We are always ready to assist you in your needs. Please visit my website for press releases and other Capitol updates.