Wis. Assembly set to vote on wetlands bill

MADISON, Wis. — The state Assembly is set to take up a contentious bill that would help developers to win wetland construction permits.

The Republican bill would allow developers to submit mitigation outlines with their permit applications. The plans would detail how developers would offset damage they might cause by working to restore or enhance other wetlands, giving builders another way to convince the Department of Natural Resources they deserve a permit.

The GOP says the bill would help businesses expand. Environmentalists counter it would encourage the DNR to loosen its stance that applicants focus on avoiding or minimizing wetland damage.

The Senate passed the bill last week. The Assembly is scheduled to take it up during its Tuesday floor session.