In Madison, County Leaders Lobby for Drinking Water Protection, Stewardship Fund

The Door/Kewaunee Legislative Days will take place on April 15 and 16. More than 100 delegates consisting of business owners, residents and government department heads will get the chance to speak with legislators about the issues facing Door and Kewaunee Counties.

The following is the legislative agenda for the delegates traveling to Madison.

Protect the Public’s Drinking Water in At-Risk Karst Geo-Region

Bill Schuster, head of the Soil and Water Conservation Department, recommends changes in state legislation to address unique water quality needs. Instead of statewide standards, delegates will advocate for the state to be divided into specific geo-regions based on their topography. Different standards will then be applied to each unique area of Wisconsin.

Establish Steady Funding for Beach Water Testing

County health departments often do not know if they will receive funds for a water testing program until the week before testing must begin. This testing ensures the safety of county beaches and the public swimming at them. Funding comes from different sources and is inconsistent each year. Delegates will advocate for the DNR to take the lead in establishing a steady funding source.

Restoration of the Kewaunee Harbor Seawall

The Kewaunee Harbor seawall has fallen into disrepair. The harbor is a critical part of the economy in the city and county and they are seeking $4.2 million to restore the infrastructure.

Restoration of Harbor Assistance Program Funding

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) will lose $11.6 million in bonding authority under Governor Walker’s proposed budget plan. The funding has previously gone to commercial harbors, including Sturgeon Bay, to improve infrastructure. Delegates will advocate for the restoration of this bonding authority to see continued growth at the Sturgeon Bay harbor.

Support the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

The freeze on the stewardship program for the next 13 years, as proposed in Governor Walker’s budget, would harm local economies, water resources and outdoor activities essential for tourism. While the delegates do not expect the restoration of full funding in the program, they will seek to have the freeze lifted.

Technology Needs for Public Schools

Wisconsin imposes limits on the amount of revenue a school can generate from taxes and state aid. With technology needs in public schools increasing despite a lack of accessibility in rural areas, delegates look for the state to allow districts to raise funds for technology improvements past revenue limits.

Winery Regulatory Reform

Winery owners are asking that small wineries be defined by the same parameters as small breweries. Small breweries are defined as producing less than 3.1 million gallons per year while small wineries are defined close to 50,000 gallons. Currently, county wineries are forced to sell through a distributor while small breweries can sell their product wholesale direct. Delegates are seeking fairness in giving wineries and breweries an equal definition in regards to their size.