Wisconsin to receive $142 million in 2022 and approximately $850 million over the next five years to invest in ensuring safe drinking water.

MADISON — On Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers celebrated President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill that will expand efforts to deliver safe drinking water to Wisconsinites by infusing approximately $850 million into communities across the state over the next five years. Gov. Evers last month praised the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as a “Win for Wisconsin.”

The federal bill contains an array of expanded programs with substantial, new funding sources for Wisconsin, including $142,703,000 for the 2022 allotment for state revolving loan programs funding water infrastructure projects. The bipartisan infrastructure bill is the largest investment in clean drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in U.S. history, delivering clean water to millions of families across the country, including Wisconsin.

“Clean drinking water is critically important for keeping our kids, our families, and our communities healthy and safe. Folks should be able to trust the water coming out of their tap, and that’s why making sure every Wisconsinite has access to safe, clean drinking water has been a top priority for my administration,” said Gov. Evers. “Whether it’s addressing contaminants like nitrates or ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS or replacing lead pipes, the bipartisan infrastructure bill will allow us to continue the important work we’ve done to address water quality across our state.”

Gov. Evers declared 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water to promote the importance of ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to safe, clean drinking water. The new federal funding will help address three priority safety concerns with Wisconsinites’ drinking water, including PFAS, lead, and nitrates.

The Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that Wisconsin will receive $347 million in clean water and $522 million in safe drinking water revolving loan funds over the next five years. This funding includes a minimum of $95 million in grants to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS and $255 million to replace lead service lines.

PFAS are human-made chemicals that can be found in a variety of products, including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays, and certain types of firefighting foam. These forever chemicals can build up, move through the soil, seep into groundwater, or be carried through the air. PFAS are known to pose several health risks such as certain types of cancers, heart issues, and developmental delays.

Nitrates are Wisconsin’s most widespread groundwater contaminant, according to Wisconsin’s Groundwater Coordinating Council. Nitrate contamination of groundwater is increasing in extent and severity across the state. Today, nitrates are at levels of concern in 74 public drinking water systems, and it is estimated that more than 10 percent of private wells have high nitrate levels.

Meanwhile, there are more than 170,000 lead service lines across Wisconsin that need replacing. Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, causing serious health problems, including brain damage among young children.

From rural towns to cities, the legislation also authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to award additional grants on a competitive basis for water infrastructure projects in disadvantaged communities, including low-income neighborhoods, communities with less than 10,000 people, and communities that would otherwise be unable to finance water projects needed to comply with federal water quality regulations.

The bill also provides $1 billion for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program started in 2010 to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the Great Lakes, to accelerate environmental progress in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, including reducing nutrient pollution and the toxic substances in the St. Louis River, Lower Green Bay and Fox River, Sheboygan River and Harbor, and Milwaukee Estuary areas. Funding allocations for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects in Wisconsin have not been announced.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/farmer-wicorn-s5.jpgUp to $800 Million Will Help Biofuel Producers and Restore Renewable Fuel Markets Hit by the Pandemic

Longtime Senator from Madison announces today that he will not seek re-election.

MADISON, WI – In announcing his decision to not seek re-election to the State Senate in 2022, Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) released the following statement:

“Today I announce I will not seek re-election to the State Senate. Representing the 27^th Senate District has truly been an honor and I have been humbled by those who have placed their trust in me to represent their values in the legislature for over 20 years.”

“I would like to thank my family, friends and staff that have supported me throughout my 24 years in state service. I would also like to thank all of the dedicated public employees from each and every state agency that work hard day in and day out to help legislators like me and the constituents we represent. I will miss spending time with all of the wonderful people across the state of Wisconsin that I have met along the way. I will also miss my Capitol parking space!”

Jon Erpenbach is finishing his sixth term in the State Senate after being elected in 1998. He served as the Senate Democratic Leader from 2002-2004 and has served on the Joint Finance Committee since 2015.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/capitol-xmas-tree-s5.jpgSen. Smith writes about the holidays celebrated and traditions observed during this time of year. It is truly a time of reflection for many reasons—the end of another calendar year and the cross section of cultural beliefs.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/schools-computer-class-1-s450.jpgGov. Evers made the announcement Monday in the Howard-Suamico School District. Program will help teachers bring computer science into all Wisconsin K-12 classrooms.

Nationwide, bipartisan deal will give Amtrak passenger rail $66 billion in funding, and the local impact is picking up steam in Madison and Milwaukee.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/solar-energy-systems-s5.jpgInvestments Will Make Rural Communities and Businesses More Energy Independent and Resilient

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/road-potholes-s5.jpgCreates penalty for traffic violations that result in bodily harm when they occur in a road construction area, utility work area, or emergency response area.

Romo, of Pardeeville, passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, at the age of 32, after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #144 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff tomorrow, Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, in honor of firefighter Brandon R. Romo of Pardeeville, who lost his life in the line of duty after contracting COVID-19.

“By all accounts, Brandon was incredibly beloved by those who knew him, and Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, the Pardeeville Fire Department, and the entire Pardeeville community,” said Gov. Evers. “Especially with the holidays upon us, we’re thinking of his family, friends, and loved ones as they grieve his loss.”

Romo passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, at the age of 32, after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He proudly served the Pardeeville community as a volunteer firefighter for three years, demonstrating kindness, grit, and integrity in both his professional and personal lives. Romo will be remembered as a loving husband, father of three, son, friend, and colleague whose presence brought levity and laughter to those around him. 

A celebration of life will be held for firefighter Brandon R. Romo on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021. 

Executive Order #144 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, and is available here. 

In addition to honoring the life and service of firefighter Brandon R. Romo, pursuant to Gov. Evers’ Executive Order #141, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin were already ordered to be lowered on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, as a mark of respect for two victims of the tragedy at the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/farmer-wicorn-s5.jpgLegislation signed Friday is modeled after governor’s 2020 special session plan to increase value of several Wisconsin agricultural products 25 percent by mid-2026.