EAG approves funding sustainability issue paper; subgroup to finalize minor edits

Members of the Remediation and Redevelopment External Advisory Group approved an issue paper on fees and funding sustainability at their Jan. 23 meeting, and the subgroup will incorporate minor reviewer comments before the document is posted.

Presenters said the paper grew from two years of subgroup work and outlines options for addressing funding and fee structures under Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 749, including proposals to raise certain fees, create a streamlined fee menu, and consider premiums for expedited reviews. More complex options—such as a delegated environmental professional program or a long-term stewardship fee—were discussed but deferred in the paper because they likely require statutory changes.

The group moved and seconded a motion to approve the paper with minor cleanup of comments; the chair then confirmed approval by hands without a recorded roll-call tally. Subgroup leads will finalize edits by email and post the completed issue paper to the DNR PAG web page. Members were invited to send any additional comments to Molly Schmidt, who is coordinating final changes.

Presenters and subgroup members said the issue paper is intended to preserve a vetted set of options the DNR and stakeholders can consult if future statutory or administrative opportunities arise, such as budget processes or formal rulemaking.