Army Corps: Wetland law doesn’t affect jurisdiction

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding the public that Wisconsin’s new wetland development law doesn’t change federal construction requirements.

Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill Wednesday that makes it easier for developers to win state permits to fill in wetlands. The bill requires developers submit plans to help restore or enhance wetlands elsewhere to offset their projects’ impact when they file their permit applications with the state Department of Natural Resources. The plans don’t guarantee a permit, but they’ll strengthen developers’ cases for them.

The corps regulates about 75 percent of Wisconsin wetlands alongside the DNR. The corps issued a statement Friday reminding developers the state law changes nothing on the federal side and they may still need a corps permit to build.