Overview: AB 209, relating to creating hazard mitigation and Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan programs, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to establish two new revolving loan programs to help communities in Wisconsin address hazard mitigation and Great Lakes erosion control projects. The programs would provide low-interest loans to local governments, tribes, and other eligible entities to fund activities that reduce the risk of natural disasters and shoreline erosion.
Key Provisions:
- Creates a hazard mitigation revolving loan program to finance projects that mitigate the risk of natural disasters, such as floods, storms, and wildfires.
- Establishes a Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program to fund projects that address shoreline erosion along the Great Lakes.
- Provides an exemption from the state's emergency rule procedures for the Department of Administration to quickly implement the new loan programs.
- Grants rule-making authority to the Department of Administration to administer the loan programs.
- Appropriates $50 million in funding for the two revolving loan programs.
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would benefit local governments, tribes, and other eligible entities in Wisconsin that need financial assistance to undertake hazard mitigation and erosion control projects. These projects could help protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from the impacts of natural disasters and shoreline erosion.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill is currently at the amendment stage in the Wisconsin Assembly, with Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative Zimmerman. The next step would be for the Assembly to vote on the amended bill before it can move to the state Senate for further consideration.
